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The UAB Department of Microbiology is a hub of groundbreaking research, tackling some of the most pressing challenges in the field. In the first part of this series, we explored how the department established itself as a leading force in microbiology, with pioneering contributions to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic of the 1980s.

Part two highlighted their remarkable advancements in scientific research and public health from the late 1990s to the present day. Now, in this final part, we examine how these discoveries are shaping the future of the department and the broader field of microbiology.

Is eating food that has fallen to the floor ever truly safe? Many cling to the “five-second rule,” which asserts that if you pick up dropped food within five seconds of dropping it, it is safe to still eat.

However, UAB researchers have debunked this myth, explaining that bacteria transfer can occur immediately upon contact.

Jason "Jay" Ashley, MBA, was announced as the new Joint Health Science Administrative Director ll in the UAB Department of Microbiology, effective Feb. 10, 2025. 

Gürkan Mollaoğlu, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Microbiology, was recently published in Cell for his study “Ovarian cancer-derived IL-4 promotes immunotherapy resistance,” which could open new doors for treating ovarian cancer patients who are resistant to immunotherapy.

As the holiday season approaches, so do the tempting indulgences that often come with it. From festive feasts to sugary treats, holiday eating can disrupt our digestive systems, leading to bloating, discomfort, and even long-term impacts on gut health.

The 30th Annual Gail Cassell Microbiology Research Retreat was held Nov. 8-10, 2024, at Joe Wheeler State Park. The event brought together faculty, staff, students, postdoctoral fellows, and alumni for a weekend of scientific collaboration in a relaxing setting.

1988 RetreatFor three decades, the annual Gail Cassell Microbiology Research Retreat has brought together members of the UAB Department of Microbiology for a weekend of shared knowledge, thought-provoking discussion, and in-person camaraderie in a collaborative setting. From hosting notable keynote speakers to gathering department members in serene locations, the retreat has provided a productive platform for scientific enrichment.

Diana Battaglia, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow in the UAB Department of Microbiology, was recently awarded the Postdoctoral Scholar Peer Award from the UAB Graduate School and Office of Global Affairs.

Amarshi Mukherjee, Ph.D., postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Microbiology, recently received the Blazing Dragon Award from the Office of Postdoctoral Education for his involvement in the Dokland Lab. This award reflects a lone postdoc contributor's unique role in their lab, blazing a trail with their unique insights and efforts.

The UAB Department of Microbiology welcomed Gürkan Mollaoğlu, Ph.D., as an assistant professor in October 2024.

Terje Dokland, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Microbiology, spends his time on UAB's campus studying the world on a microscopic level. In his free time, however, he takes to the stage. 

The Department of Microbiology would like to acknowledge a handful of recent administrative and HR-related updates happening as of fall 2024.

Hui Hu, Ph.D. has been promoted from associate professor to professor in the UAB Department of Microbiology, effective October 1, 2024.

This achievement highlights his dedication as an immunologist with expertise in the transcriptional regulation of adaptive immunity, showcasing his exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing research in his field.

Carlos Orihuela, Ph.D., will be taking sabbatical leave from Oct. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2024, to study in the lab of Jan-Willem Veening, Ph.D., at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland. While there, he will be giving talks at the University of Lausanne, the Pasteur Institute, the University of Geneva, and the University of Zurich. 

Sara Edmonds, a Ph.D. candidate in UAB’s Graduate Biomedical Sciences (GBS) program, was recently awarded a prestigious two-year, $82,712 F31 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for her research title “The role of capsule production on the physiology of an oral commensal.” Edmonds is training in the lab of Jessica Scoffield, Ph.D., associate professor in the UAB Department of Microbiology.

The UAB Department of Microbiology is proud to have a chapter in the American Society for Microbiology (ASM).

Carlos Orihuela, Ph.D., was recently named to an endowed professorship position in the UAB Department of Microbiology. In addition, Elena Frolova, Ph.D., was named Professor Emeritus in the Department of Microbiology.

Suzanne M. Michalek, Ph.D., Ken B. Waites, M.D., FAAM, David Chaplin, M.D., Ph.D. In the midst of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the UAB Department of Microbiology emerged as a leading force, driving groundbreaking research and response efforts. However, the department's influence over the next few decades, specifically from the late 1990s through present-day, extended far beyond this global crisis, as it also made remarkable advancements in other key areas of scientific research and public health.

Jan Novak, Ph.D., distinguished professor in the UAB Department of Microbiology, has received a competing continuation for an R01 grant from the NIH for his study, “Molecular Basis of Pathogenicity of IgA1-containing Immune Complexes,” with a total award of $643,133 for the current year, and a total award of $2,505,094 for 4 years. This marks the 15th year of this award, with the overall project spanning from June 1, 2007 to March 31, 2028.

Masakazu Kamata, Ph.D., associate professor in the UAB Department of Microbiology, has been selected as a recipient of an R01 grant from the NIH for his study, “The resurgence of antibody-drug conjugates via PMPC-polymer engineering.”