Jennifer Geddes-McAlister | Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

Jennifer Geddes-McAlister

Portrait of U of G Professor Jennifer Geddes-McAlister

Overall, our work aims to uncover novel strategies for the treatment of infectious diseases associated with fungal and bacterial pathogens in both the healthcare and agriculture sectors.

Programs

About my research…

My research program applies state-of-the-art mass spectrometry-based proteomics and bioinformatics platforms to investigate host-pathogen interactions driving disease. We explore how a pathogen invades a host and how the host defends itself from infection with relevance to both medical and agricultural sectors. We uses a systems biology approach to assess the interplay across biological systems and within a One Health (environment, animal, and human health) context.

How my Research Improves Life…

My research program discovers novel putative druggable targets within a pathogen using an anti-virulence strategy to disarm the pathogen and empower the host to clear the infection. We also investigate new methods to overcome antimicrobial resistance, with an emphasis on fungal diseases.

Why chose grad studies at U of G?

The University of Guelph provides an excellent opportunity to combine research interests and disciplines. For example, my group uses proteomics technologies applied to a plethora of biological systems, such as bacterial and fungal pathogens and mammalian and plant hosts, to better define disease. We integrate expertise from microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and plat biology to achieve our goals.