Our Interdisciplinary Laboratory is entirely dedicated to Clinical and Translational Approaches to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance. My team is focused PK/PD approaches to optimize antimicrobial dosing. With the recent emergence of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, our independent, NIH-funded research program was one of the first to define and refine new exposure response relationships for the ‘last line’ polymyxin antibiotics (polymyxin B and colistin) and carbapenems. We were also one of the first laboratories to define key PK/PD relationships for a number of antibiotics that were crucial to guide dose selection in Phase 1, 2, and 3 clinical trials.

I have been very fortunate to be the Principal Investigator of R01AI111990, a $4.4M NIH grant which seeks to investigate the PK/PD of polymyxin combinations. We have published a series (n>25) of original manuscripts which have focused on innovative dosing strategies for polymyxin and β-lactam combinations. This allows our team to push the boundaries of knowledge in antimicrobial pharmacology, and it is our clinical focus which allows us to provide insights into translating these scientific findings toward the care of critically ill patients who are infected with resistant Gram-negatives. I have been fortunate to be the mentor of 12 post-doctoral fellows who have gone on to successful careers. I also embrace my role as Associate Dean of Clinical and Translational Sciences in developing new and exciting programs and collaborations across the University for our faculty and students. A Past-President of the International Society of Anti-Infective Pharmacology, a member of the Antimicrobial Resistance Leadership Group and the Co-Chair of the International Consensus Guidelines for Optimal Polymyxin Use in collaboration with 6 international infectious diseases societies and organizations, I will leverage these experiences for our faculty and students at UB.