Funding
“Defining the genetic drivers of Staphylococcus aureus corneal infections”
Role on project: Principle Investigator
Type: Research to Prevent Blindness, Career Development Award
Funding Period: January 2020-January 2024
The purpose of this award is to the define the genes and regulatory networks that enable S. aureus to establish and maintain corneal infections using whole genome sequencing coupled with in vivo transcriptomics.
“Development of Novel Ophthalmic Antibiotics”
Role on project: Principle Investigator
Type: NIH-K08, 1K08 EYE29012-01
Funding Period: May 2018- May 2023
The purpose of this mentored, clinician-scientist career development award is to provide comprehensive training in the area of antimicrobial drug discovery. Specific goals are to conduct a large-scale chemical screen for compounds with activity against both S. aureus and P. aeruginosa biofilms, further the development of the combination polymyxin B/trimethoprim + rifampicin and to develop genetic tools in order to investigate the mechanism of action of newly identified lead compounds.
“Development of a novel class of antibiotics through identification of RNase E inhibitors”
Role on project: Co-Principle Investigator
Type: Bryant Trust
Funding Period: October 2017- October 2018
The purpose of this project is to exploit RNase E as a novel antimicrobial target in Gram-negative bacteria thorough high throughput screening strategies.
“Novel antibiotic formulations for the prevention and treatment of ocular infections”
Role on project: Co-Investigator
Type: Technology Development Award
Funding Period: January 2017-January 2018
The purpose of this funding is to facilitate the development of the combination therapy polymyxin B/trimethoprim/rifampicin for the treatment of infectious keratitis. Both in vitro formulation optimization studies will be conducted as well as in vivo work utilizing a mouse model of keratitis.
“Development of mupirocin and neomycin combination therapies for the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections”
Role on project: Co-investigator
Type: Drug Development Pilot Award, UR Ventures
Funding Period: March 2016-March 2017
The purpose of this funding is to optimize formulations of neomycin and mupirocin for the treatment of topical wound infections as well as infectious keratitis.
“Development of novel ophthalmic antibiotics”
Role on project: Principle Investigator
Type: American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Foundation Research Award
Funding Period: March 2016 – March 2017
The purpose of this research is to undertake a large-scale screen of an F.D.A-approved compound library to identify agents that potentiate the activity of current ophthalmic antibiotics, thereby improving performance