Zucai Suo, Biochemistry investigates how enzymes, including DNA polymerases and proteases, catalyze the synthesis of DNA. "We are also designing drugs to inhibit these enzymes and fight against viral infections."

Roman P. Lanno, Entomology a terrestrial toxicologist, examines bioavailability of environmental chemicals, particularly in soil, to determine relationships among uptake, kinetics and body residues of chemicals-research important for developing environmental quality guidelines. Lanno's joint appointment in FAES facilitates research that cuts through biological and agricultural issues.

H. Lisle Gibbs, EEOB uses DNA-based genetic techniques to study evolution, conservation and behavior of wild birds and snakes, concentrating on migratory warblers, cuckoos, Florida Grasshopper sparrows, massassauga rattlesnakes and black rat snakes.

Maria N. Miriti, EEOB looks at factors regulating plant populations and communities. "I am interested in how their immediate surroundings with applications that include control of invasive species and habitat restoration."

Juan Alfonzo, Microbiology works on understanding tRNA editing mechanisms in trypanosomes; the long-term goal is to use editing enzymes as targets for designing new drugs against trypanosomiasis. He says, "I hope to continue my contribution to the training of successful scientists of the future and I wish to use all my energy and enthusiasm to show these future scientists that science is actually 'fun.' I am particularly interested in increasing diversity in science by helping to attract and train highly qualified members of underrepresented minorities through our programs."

Irina Artsimovich, Microbiology studies ways transcription elongation factors regulate gene expression in bacteria. "The main focus of my work is the antiterminator protein RfaH and its role in expression of virulence genes in pathogenic bacteria and in emergence of new pathogens."

Michael Ibba, Microbiology studies "the mechanisms by which a variety of microbes make proteins. In particular, I am interested in using unusual aspects of this process to develop new antibiotic targets."

Abhay Satoskar, Microbiology brings M.D./Ph.D. training to bear on immune mechanisms determining outcome of infections caused by the parasite Leishmania. He hopes to develop an effective vaccine to control these infections affecting 10 percent of the global population.

Gregory Armstrong, Plant Biology says "Light is a key environmental factor in plant growth and appearance. The natural coloration of leaves, fruits and flowers results from the presence of plant pigments that absorb specific wavelengths of visible light. I am interested in understanding how plants make and use these pigments, and how they protect themselves from getting 'sunburned.'"

Andrea I. Doseff, Molecular Genetics. Doseff is interested in mechanisms that regulate cell numbers; her goal is to manipulate the number of unwanted cells and apply basic research to new therapeutic approaches in the areas of inflammation and cancer; her joint appointment in the College of Biological Sciences and the College of Medicine and Public Health will help bridge the interaction between basic and applied research.