Current Lab Members
Kevin S. McIver, PhD
Professor and Chair, Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics (CBMG)
Maryland Pathogen Research Institute (MPRI)
Co-Program Director, NIH T32, Training in Host-Pathogen Interactions (HPI)
3124 Bioscience Research Bldg. , College Park, MD 20742
[email protected], Office: 3124 BRB; (301) 405-4136; Lab: 3217 BRB; (301) 405-7514
BS, James Madison University, 1984; PhD, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, 1994
Postdoc, Emory University, 1994-1999; Asst. Professor, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 1999-2006
Professor and Chair, Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics (CBMG)
Maryland Pathogen Research Institute (MPRI)
Co-Program Director, NIH T32, Training in Host-Pathogen Interactions (HPI)
3124 Bioscience Research Bldg. , College Park, MD 20742
[email protected], Office: 3124 BRB; (301) 405-4136; Lab: 3217 BRB; (301) 405-7514
BS, James Madison University, 1984; PhD, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, 1994
Postdoc, Emory University, 1994-1999; Asst. Professor, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 1999-2006
Meaghan Hart
Graduate Student (2020-present)
BS, Tulane University (2016)
Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (2016-2019)
Host-Pathogen Interactions (HPI) T32 Training Grant (2021-2022)
Investigating the relationship between sugar utilization and virulence regulation:
Defining RofA as a PRD-Containing Virulence Regulator
Graduate Student (2020-present)
BS, Tulane University (2016)
Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (2016-2019)
Host-Pathogen Interactions (HPI) T32 Training Grant (2021-2022)
Investigating the relationship between sugar utilization and virulence regulation:
Defining RofA as a PRD-Containing Virulence Regulator
Aolani Perry
Graduate Student (2021-present)
BS, Towson University (2020)
Host-Pathogen Interactions (HPI) T32 Training Grant (2022-Present)
Importance of methionine transporters for GAS Infections
Graduate Student (2021-present)
BS, Towson University (2020)
Host-Pathogen Interactions (HPI) T32 Training Grant (2022-Present)
Importance of methionine transporters for GAS Infections
Spencer Lewis
Graduate Student (2022-present)
BS, Virginia Tech (2020)
Post-bac, NIH
Regulation of Heme Adaptation in Group A Streptococcus
Graduate Student (2022-present)
BS, Virginia Tech (2020)
Post-bac, NIH
Regulation of Heme Adaptation in Group A Streptococcus
Maria Alejandra Taboada-Cortina
Graduate Student (2022-present)
BS & MS, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo (2005 & 2012)
Assistant Professor of Biotechnology, Instituto Tecnologico de Monterrey, Puebla, Mexico (2013-2015)
Impact of the PTS mannose pathway on Mga virulence regulation in S. pyogenes
Graduate Student (2022-present)
BS & MS, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo (2005 & 2012)
Assistant Professor of Biotechnology, Instituto Tecnologico de Monterrey, Puebla, Mexico (2013-2015)
Impact of the PTS mannose pathway on Mga virulence regulation in S. pyogenes
Past Members of the McIver Lab - UMD
Sarah E. Davis, PhD
Assistant Research Scientist (2019-2022)
BS, Clemson University
PhD Microbiology, University of Tennessee
Role of ScfAB and PdxRKU in Group A Streptococcal Pathophysiology
Current: Laboratory Manager, Division of Applied Regulatory Science (DARS)
Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
Assistant Research Scientist (2019-2022)
BS, Clemson University
PhD Microbiology, University of Tennessee
Role of ScfAB and PdxRKU in Group A Streptococcal Pathophysiology
Current: Laboratory Manager, Division of Applied Regulatory Science (DARS)
Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
Joe S. Rom, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow (2020-2022)
BS, George Mason University
PhD, University of Arkansas Medical School
Mga and PRD-containing Virulence Regulators of Pathogenic Streptococci
Current: Field Application Specialist, BioRad
Postdoctoral Fellow (2020-2022)
BS, George Mason University
PhD, University of Arkansas Medical School
Mga and PRD-containing Virulence Regulators of Pathogenic Streptococci
Current: Field Application Specialist, BioRad
Emily Reagle
Undergraduate Researcher (2018-2021)
Research Technician (2021- 2022)
Microbiology Major, University of Maryland
CBMG Honors Program
Laffer Scholarship Recipient
Role of ScfC for the putative ScfCDE Importer of GAS
Current: Graduate Student, Yale School of Medicine
Rezia Era Braza, PhD
Graduate Student (2017-2021)
BS, Morgan State University
PhD, University of Maryland
Host-Pathogen Interactions (HPI) T32 Training Grant (2018)
NIH/NIAID F31 Pre-doctoral Fellow (2019-2021)
Current: Pharmaceutical Scientist, Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
Functional Analysis of a Group A Streptococcal Locus Important for Fitness in Soft Tissue
Graduate Student (2017-2021)
BS, Morgan State University
PhD, University of Maryland
Host-Pathogen Interactions (HPI) T32 Training Grant (2018)
NIH/NIAID F31 Pre-doctoral Fellow (2019-2021)
Current: Pharmaceutical Scientist, Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
Functional Analysis of a Group A Streptococcal Locus Important for Fitness in Soft Tissue
Patrick (Jin) Cho
Lab Technician (2020-2021)
BS, University of Maryland, 2020
Current: Graduate Student; Cornell University
Afrooz Razi
Lab Technician (2019-2020)
BS, University of Maryland, 2018
current: Graduate Student; Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Yoann Le Breton, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow (2008-2011)
Senior Research Associate (2011-2013)
Research Assistant Professor (2013-2018)
Genome-wide Genetic Approaches (Tn-seq) to GAS fitness and pathogenesis
Current Position
Research Microbiologist & Interim Deputy Head
Combat Wound Infections Division
Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC)
Postdoctoral Fellow (2008-2011)
Senior Research Associate (2011-2013)
Research Assistant Professor (2013-2018)
Genome-wide Genetic Approaches (Tn-seq) to GAS fitness and pathogenesis
Current Position
Research Microbiologist & Interim Deputy Head
Combat Wound Infections Division
Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC)
Ganesh Surya Sundar, PhD
Graduate Student (2012-2017)
Host-Pathogen Interactions (HPI) T32 Training Grant (2015)
Characterizing the Role of the Phosphenolpyruvate Phosphotransferase System (PTS)
Enzyme II Loci in the Pathogenesis of the Group A Streptococcus
Previous Position
CRTA Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Khare Lab, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD
Current Position
Business Development and Scientist, Precigen Therapeutics, Germantown, MD
Graduate Student (2012-2017)
Host-Pathogen Interactions (HPI) T32 Training Grant (2015)
Characterizing the Role of the Phosphenolpyruvate Phosphotransferase System (PTS)
Enzyme II Loci in the Pathogenesis of the Group A Streptococcus
Previous Position
CRTA Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Khare Lab, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD
Current Position
Business Development and Scientist, Precigen Therapeutics, Germantown, MD
Emrul Islam
Lab Technician and Web Master (2013-2018)
Cloner of the Universe
Current Position
Web Developer
Leidos, Reston VA
Lab Technician and Web Master (2013-2018)
Cloner of the Universe
Current Position
Web Developer
Leidos, Reston VA
Kayla M. Valdes, PhD
Graduate Student (2010-2016)
NIH/NIAID F31 Pre-doctoral Fellow (2013-2016)
Functional Characterization of the Link Between Carbohydrate Metabolisms and the
Pathogenesis of the Invasive M1T1 Group A Streptococcus
Current Position
Sr. Projects Manager, Horizon Therapeutics
Previous National President and Board Chair, Women in Bio
Graduate Student (2010-2016)
NIH/NIAID F31 Pre-doctoral Fellow (2013-2016)
Functional Characterization of the Link Between Carbohydrate Metabolisms and the
Pathogenesis of the Invasive M1T1 Group A Streptococcus
Current Position
Sr. Projects Manager, Horizon Therapeutics
Previous National President and Board Chair, Women in Bio
Luis Vega, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow (2014-2017)
NIH/NIAID Diversity Supplement to R01 (2015-2017)
Evasion of Neutrophil Killing by the Group A Streptococcus
Current Position
Research Assistant Professor, Flores Lab
UT Health Sciences Center at Houston, Dept. of Pediatrics
Postdoctoral Fellow (2014-2017)
NIH/NIAID Diversity Supplement to R01 (2015-2017)
Evasion of Neutrophil Killing by the Group A Streptococcus
Current Position
Research Assistant Professor, Flores Lab
UT Health Sciences Center at Houston, Dept. of Pediatrics
Kanika Gera, PhD
Graduate Student (2010-2014)
Role of Phosphoenolpyruvate: Carbohydrate Phosphotransferase System (PTS)
in the Virulence of the Group A Streptococcus
Current Position
Lab Manager, Stanford School of Medicine
Graduate Student (2010-2014)
Role of Phosphoenolpyruvate: Carbohydrate Phosphotransferase System (PTS)
in the Virulence of the Group A Streptococcus
Current Position
Lab Manager, Stanford School of Medicine
Elise R. Hondorp, PhD
American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellow (2006-2010)
Master of Mga (or it's slave at times)
Discoverer of the PTS-Regulatory Domain (PRD)-Containing Virulence Regulator family in G+ Pathogens
Lara L. Hause, PhD
Graduate Student (2007-2012)
Transcriptional Activation by the Group A Streptococcal Mga Regulator
Current Position
Scientist, Artist, Traveler, and Enjoyer of Life
Graduate Student (2007-2012)
Transcriptional Activation by the Group A Streptococcal Mga Regulator
Current Position
Scientist, Artist, Traveler, and Enjoyer of Life
Kathryn M. Gold (Meyer), PhD
CBMG Graduate Student (2006-2011)
Characterization of the TrxSR Two-Component System of Streptococcus pyogenes
and its Role in Virulence Regulation
Current Position
Senior Microbiologist
Medtronic, Denver, CO
CBMG Graduate Student (2006-2011)
Characterization of the TrxSR Two-Component System of Streptococcus pyogenes
and its Role in Virulence Regulation
Current Position
Senior Microbiologist
Medtronic, Denver, CO
Adam Kruszewski, MD
Undergraduate Researcher (2011-2014)
HHMI researcher, CBMG High Honors
The Group A Streptococcus Mga Virulence Regulator: Determination of C-terminal Amino Acids
Responsible for Oligomerization and Transcriptional Activation
Current Position
Opthamology, PennMedicine, Philadelphia, PA
Undergraduate Researcher (2011-2014)
HHMI researcher, CBMG High Honors
The Group A Streptococcus Mga Virulence Regulator: Determination of C-terminal Amino Acids
Responsible for Oligomerization and Transcriptional Activation
Current Position
Opthamology, PennMedicine, Philadelphia, PA
Aliyah Silver
Undergraduate Researcher (2016-2018)
CBMG Honors
Contribution of the PTS Beta-glucoside EII Transporter to the
Pathophysiology of the Group A Streptococcus
Current Position
Associate
Access Industries, New York, NY
Undergraduate Researcher (2016-2018)
CBMG Honors
Contribution of the PTS Beta-glucoside EII Transporter to the
Pathophysiology of the Group A Streptococcus
Current Position
Associate
Access Industries, New York, NY
Robyn J. Berge
Undergraduate Researcher (2015-2017)
CBMG Honors
Utilizing Novel Methods for Tracking and Characterizing Group A Streptococcal
Interactions with Neutrophils
Undergraduate Researcher (2015-2017)
CBMG Honors
Utilizing Novel Methods for Tracking and Characterizing Group A Streptococcal
Interactions with Neutrophils
Tuquynh Le
Undergraduate Researcher (2008-2010)
HHMI
Undergraduate Researcher (2008-2010)
HHMI
Daria Murosko MD, MPH
Undergraduate Researcher (2011-2011)
CBMG Honors
Protein-Protein Interactions in the TrxSR Two-Component System
in the Group A Streptococcus
Current Position
Chief Resident, Boston Children's Hospital
Undergraduate Researcher (2011-2011)
CBMG Honors
Protein-Protein Interactions in the TrxSR Two-Component System
in the Group A Streptococcus
Current Position
Chief Resident, Boston Children's Hospital
Patrick Curry, MD
Undergraduate Researcher (2011-2015)
CBMG Honors
Characterization of CpsY: A putative Transcriptional Regulator Linked to
Virulence in the Group A Streptococcus
Current Position
Neurology Resident, University of Rochester Medical Center
Undergraduate Researcher (2011-2015)
CBMG Honors
Characterization of CpsY: A putative Transcriptional Regulator Linked to
Virulence in the Group A Streptococcus
Current Position
Neurology Resident, University of Rochester Medical Center
Andrew Hempstead, PhD
Undergraduate Researcher (2007-2008)
CBMG High Honors
The C-terminal Region of Mga, the Multiple Gene Regulator of the Group A Streptococcus
Current Position
Senior Scientis, Addgene
Boston, MA
Undergraduate Researcher (2007-2008)
CBMG High Honors
The C-terminal Region of Mga, the Multiple Gene Regulator of the Group A Streptococcus
Current Position
Senior Scientis, Addgene
Boston, MA
Ellen Ching-En Lee, PhD
Undergraduate Researcher (2008-2009)
Mga and PTS Regulatory Domains
Current Position
Application Specialist
NanoTemper, Cambridge, MA
Undergraduate Researcher (2008-2009)
Mga and PTS Regulatory Domains
Current Position
Application Specialist
NanoTemper, Cambridge, MA
Past Members of the McIver Lab - UT Southwestern
Deb A. Ribardo, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow & Research Scientist (2001-2006)
Regulation by Mga and 2-component Systems in GAS
Current Position
Lord Overseer of the Hendrixson Lab
UTSW, Dallas, TX
Postdoctoral Fellow & Research Scientist (2001-2006)
Regulation by Mga and 2-component Systems in GAS
Current Position
Lord Overseer of the Hendrixson Lab
UTSW, Dallas, TX
Traci L. Kinkel, PhD
Graduate Student (2006-2008) UMD
Graduate Student (2003-2006) UTSW
CcpA-mediated Carbon Catabolite Regulation of Virulence
in the Group A Streptococcus
Current Position
Microbiology Instructor
Colorado State University, Ft. Collins CO
Graduate Student (2006-2008) UMD
Graduate Student (2003-2006) UTSW
CcpA-mediated Carbon Catabolite Regulation of Virulence
in the Group A Streptococcus
Current Position
Microbiology Instructor
Colorado State University, Ft. Collins CO
Temekka V. Leday, MD PhD
Graduate Student (2001-2006) UTSW
Use of an Animal Model of Group A Streptococcal Infection
to Identify Factors Important for Virulence
Current Position
Clinical Pathologist
Dallas, Denton, TX
Graduate Student (2001-2006) UTSW
Use of an Animal Model of Group A Streptococcal Infection
to Identify Factors Important for Virulence
Current Position
Clinical Pathologist
Dallas, Denton, TX
Cheryl M. Vahling (Armstrong), PhD
Graduate Student (2000-2006) UTSW
Functional Domains in the Multigene Regulator of the Group A Streptococcus
Current Position
Research Microbiologist, USDA
Wydmoor, PA
Graduate Student (2000-2006) UTSW
Functional Domains in the Multigene Regulator of the Group A Streptococcus
Current Position
Research Microbiologist, USDA
Wydmoor, PA
Audry C. Almengor, PhD
Graduate Student (2000-2005) UTSW
Transcriptional Regulation of the Mga Virulence Regulon in Streptococcus pyogenes
Current Position
Microbiologist, JES Tech
Houston, TX
Graduate Student (2000-2005) UTSW
Transcriptional Regulation of the Mga Virulence Regulon in Streptococcus pyogenes
Current Position
Microbiologist, JES Tech
Houston, TX
Rhonda Myles
Research Technician (1999-2002)
Research Technician (1999-2002)
James Conery
SURF Researcher (2004)
SURF Researcher (2004)
Stephanie Day
SURF Researcher (2005)
SURF Researcher (2005)
Tommy Lambert
SURF Researcher (2002)
SURF Researcher (2002)
Airon Wills
SURF Researcher (2003)
SURF Researcher (2003)
Patrice McKinney
SURF Researcher (2001)
SURF Researcher (2001)