Fungal Genomics & Biology
Open Access

Jarrod R. Fortwendel

Biography

Dr. Jarrod R. Fortwendel, Assistant Professor, received his PhD in Pathobiology and Molecular Medicine in 2005 from the University of Cincinnati. He completed his postdoctoral studies at the University of Cincinnati and at Duke University in Durham, NC. Dr. Fortwendel joined the Department of Microbiology and Immunology faculty in August 2011.

Research Interest

The overall goal of my lab is to delineate the molecular mechanisms that support fungal growth and promote virulence in the human lung environment. Invasive fungal infections are increasing in incidence and the associated high mortality rates highlight the need for a deeper understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying these infections. Aspergillus fumigatus, the causative agent of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, is the predominant mould pathogen of immunocompromised patients. Our lab utilizes molecular, biochemical and cellular biology techniques to address questions of A. fumigatus growth and pathogenesis in vitro and within the model host. Because A. fumigatus is in an adept pathogen with multi-factorial virulence properties, our studies focus on fundamental aspects of fungal growth.

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