Maghnus O'Seaghdha, PhD

Research Interests

Our laboratory is interested in the interactions between bacteria and their human host, particularly those interactions that may lead to opportunistic infections. Specifically, we are interested in the opportunistic Gram-positive pathogens, Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus or GAS) and Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria often colonize asymptomatically; however, they have the ability to transition from the carrier state to cause serious, and sometimes life-threatening, infections. S. aureus is the leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections and GAS is responsible over 600 million cases of pharyngitis and an estimated 500,000 deaths annually. Current projects in the lab include: characterization of extra-nasal colonization by S. aureus, the global response of opportunistic pathogens to components of the human immune system and the mechanism of intracellular survival of bacteria in niche-specific tissue types. The overarching goal of our research is to better understand the triggers and mechanisms underlying opportunistic infections, which may inform developments in medical intervention.

Publications/Links

• For a list of publications and other current information, please visit my Google Scholar, ResearchGate or LinkedIn profile.

Committees

• 2019-present IP Policy Subcommittee for the University Faculty Handbook
• 2019-present CAS Faculty Handbook working group
• 2018-present STE subcommittee
• 2018-present Faculty Life
• 2017-present Biology Department Senior Major Assessment committee
• 2017-2018: Educational Policy Committee (EPC)

Grants and Awards