https://www.thewalkerlab.net/announcements daily 0.75 2026-01-09 https://www.thewalkerlab.net/announcements/6dkfy2y5nhkago9xf5dnbi9x7bij5b monthly 0.5 2026-01-09 https://www.thewalkerlab.net/iframe-srchttps/calendargooglecom/calendar/embedsrcthejwalkerlab40gmailcomctzamerica2fchicago-styleborder-0-width800-height600-frameborder0-scrollingno/iframe daily 0.75 2020-09-11 https://www.thewalkerlab.net/iframe-srchttps/calendargooglecom/calendar/embedsrcthejwalkerlab40gmailcomctzamerica2fchicago-styleborder-0-width800-height600-frameborder0-scrollingno/iframe/event-one-zlgzg monthly 0.5 2020-09-11 https://www.thewalkerlab.net/https/calendargooglecom/calendar/u/0/rciddghlandhbgtlcmxhykbnbwfpbc5jb20 daily 0.75 2025-07-11 https://www.thewalkerlab.net/https/calendargooglecom/calendar/u/0/rciddghlandhbgtlcmxhykbnbwfpbc5jb20/event-one-pnyw5 monthly 0.5 2025-07-11 https://www.thewalkerlab.net/home daily 1.0 2026-01-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1587046138250-2B97I31S79Q7QAXBX3ET/HomeImage.PNG Home - Welcome to Our Lab We combine multiple scientific disciplines to define the host-pathogen interactions that determine the onset, course, and outcome of chronic infections. Using medical device infections as a model for chronic infections, we are currently pursuing the following questions: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/0f08f45c-309a-4234-8628-3c9dac6cd177/Pt5700.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1d5ecc25-85f0-4db0-9f85-2486179fd210/Copy+of+Copy+of+Untitled+%281%29.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/cc01e8da-d623-4d70-8e4a-6c48b153f1cc/staph_clinical_isolates.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/24701afb-8dce-4c93-943d-aa35f40b6a0f/JNW187-all_tissues.png Home https://www.thewalkerlab.net/research daily 0.75 2026-01-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1587046445271-ZEGPWER8AZOOUBUCZTF6/CAUTIMouse1.PNG Research Mouse Catheter Infections https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1587048199748-YC0G35EO9K0O9VWSPEFU/Breast4.PNG Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1587046487609-P6Z61J8UEELGTI47U254/CAUTIMouse2.PNG Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1587048233782-DUVLNW0WRHIW2D3L7CU6/Breast9.PNG Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1587046507671-RN3C13U2BEC14UEJ7BRJ/CAUTIMouse3.PNG Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1587048263646-YEMXW7GST1HRSC9TSY9Q/Breast13.PNG Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1587046531726-4EVM22Y2DZPXSXXEG9V5/CAUTIMouse4.PNG Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1587048286279-40UBRXFHSDG1FXMBA3O4/Breast7.PNG Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1587046398066-HLESYYITPQ23QZRX1R02/CAUTIMouse5.PNG Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1587048305779-5Z1WB2LDE3TTG8JW6QV0/Breast2.PNG Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1587046557562-2YU01C4IFMGEAVP302VE/CAUTIMouse6.PNG Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1587048384371-WDO6OG7ES7G3XMUZ15M2/Breast12.PNG Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1587047973866-4VI0NQ61LLWZK0TO6CJ8/CAUTI1.PNG Research Latex Catheter Surface https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1587048027590-U0V0NI9UF9BI6XG66N93/CAUTI11.PNG Research Host Immune Cells and Glycoproteins https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1587048056008-21DISKICKEEUVDGUA8XJ/CAUTI8.PNG Research Bladder Epithelial Cells https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1587048099926-O437I5ZKAIUHXGI7MYXD/CAUTI3.PNG Research Host Immune Cells and S. aureus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1587048127871-IZQIY856VTTIC1D2U399/CAUTI7.PNG Research Host Immune Cells and S. aureus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1587048152000-3TFALEEGX9URN1RSD0SY/CAUTI5.PNG Research Host Immune Cells, S. aureus, Pseudomonas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1587048850647-5O6KYSBE51HNMIUMZRDM/Breast3.PNG Research Texture Breast Surface https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1587048874602-O6X8WY3FAOEN8T82A0Y7/Breast1.PNG Research Smooth Breast Surface https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1587048902442-M0GW5E5GSUSFEEXF4NV3/Breast2.PNG Research Microtexture Breast Implant https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1587048995437-Z4VF0TGQP7N5GC6MS93O/Breast14.PNG Research Incorporation of host collagen into S. epidermidis biofilm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1587049019619-IN5BSH5J4SL660WPR3KH/Breast8.PNG Research Incorporation of host fibrinogen into S. epidermidis biofilm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1587049041282-BFHZTCH4R9PE3J818NG9/Breast10.PNG Research Incorporation of host collagen into S. epidermidis biofilm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1587049412689-A93QL5DO7VNPF9GL5U22/antibiotic.jpg Research Bacteria exhibit both genotypic and phenotypic tolerance to antimicrobials. Genotypic tolerance leads to genetics changes that leave the bacteria intrinsically resistant to commonly used antibiotics, ultimately limiting treatment options. Phenotype tolerance typically occurs when susceptible planktonic bacteria form communities, such as biofilms, that provide a physical barrier to antibiotics, limiting antimicrobial effectiveness. We seek to investigate the genotypic and phenotypic bacterial mechanisms that facilitate recalcitrance to antibiotic treatment. Our future studies aim to develop new non-antibiotic strategies that prevent or disrupt those communities to effectively treat medical device-associated infections. https://www.thewalkerlab.net/new-page daily 0.75 2026-01-09 https://www.thewalkerlab.net/team-1 daily 0.75 2026-01-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1587151382243-WL879P2HVH19SF3P5VUP/Walker-Jennifer.jpg Lab Members - Jennifer N. Walker, PhD Dr. Walker is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at UTHealth Houston’s McGovern Medical School. Dr. Walker joined the department in 2019. Her research focuses on understanding the host-pathogen-device mechanisms that dictate chronic disease outcomes. Dr. Walker is a recipient of the Texas Rising STAR award (2019). Email: Jennifer.N.Walker@uth.tmc.edu Office Number: 713-500-5428. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1587478151801-3GSMBUUCG9XS6VBEWCIY/JMDRPic.jpg Lab Members - Jesus M. Duran Ramirez, MPH, ALAT Tobias Keene, D.D.S. Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Tobias Keene brings a bit of unabashed Southern hospitality to all his patients. He moved to Washington, D.C. over thirty years ago as a freshman at Ivy College. Right after graduation, he attended World University’s School of Dentistry. Before opening Keene Dental in 1994, he worked for free clinics and some of the finest practices in the District. He is part of the 123 Dental Association and stays up-to-date on the latest dental discoveries. When not striving to keep his patients happy and healthy, he’s enjoys hiking with his family in Rock Creek Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1633361411547-IYV8ZIXYBHSHMCMT1B6L/IMG_1851.jpg Lab Members - Jana Gomez, M.S. Jana Gomez is a PhD student at the UT Health MD Anderson Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. She completed her B.S. degree in Biomedical Sciences and her M.S. degree in Microbiology at Texas A&M University at College Station. Her research interests include microbiology and infectious diseases https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/687c535f-6e00-4a4a-b710-652ac91d5885/Cristy_Shane_headshot.jpg.png Lab Members - Shane Cristy, M.S. Shane Cristy is a PhD Candidate at the UTHealth MD Anderson Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. He completed his B.S. degree in Biochemistry from Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas and his M.S. Degree in Biomedical Sciences at the UTHealth MD Anderson Graduate School, Houston, Texas. His research interests include Candida biofilm formation, antifungal drug discovery, and fungal genetics. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/5c73df51-ab51-45e3-8a1f-d73216a57dab/headshot-final+%281%29.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/e79c0629-4da9-4102-b9a1-05c9a26b7536/kismelly.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1626208687514-3X5RAP24FA4PFTUKBKYI/Tayler.jpg Lab Members - Tayler Hunter Tayler graduated from the University of California, Berkeley and majored in Molecular Cell Biology (Neurobiology emphasis) and Business Administration. She has previous research experience in behavioral science and neuroscience. She also held a research position at the University of California, Berkeley working in chemical engineering. Her interests include infectious diseases, climate change, and transformative medicine. She participated in the McGovern Medical School Summer Research Program for Undergraduates (Micro-SURP) in 2022 in the Walker Lab. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/f48043c6-5a44-4d71-bf4a-cd22c8b526af/716248EA-DE1B-4A3A-8240-D4D2ACC7A264.JPG Lab Members - Ender Volkan, PhD Ender Volkan was born and raised on the island of Cyprus. She received her BSc in Biology (major) and Chemistry (minor) at the University of Missouri in Kansas City. She received her PhD in Molecular Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis from Washington University in St. Louis in the laboratory of Scott Hultgren. Her PhD thesis focused on dissecting the mechanisms associated with Chaperone Usher Pilus biogenesis in Uropathogenic E. coli. Her current research work focuses on COVID-19 responses in Cyprus as well as investigation of endemic resources from Cyprus as potential anticancer and antibacterial tools. She has worked as the Vice Dean of the Cyprus International University Faculty of Pharmacy and chaired the departments of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. She worked with Dr. Jen Walker at UTHealth as a Fulbright Visiting Scholar to evaluate the Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activities of Endemic/Non-Endemic Plant Species of Cyprus on Drug Resistant Clinical Bacterial Isolates. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1633361816292-EMDEWRYJZ5LDHZWKMX0S/thumbnail_Image.jpg Lab Members - Taha Isa Taha graduated from the University of Houston. He was a Pre-Medicine student majoring in Psychology with a minor in Biology. Taha has a variety of clinical experience and is involved in minority group relief volunteering. His interests include Neuroscience, immunology, and interested in studying host-pathogen interactions to help develop antibiotic-sparing treatment for common post-operational infections. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1625694803951-82NQ6V0OJXLJQGC4CD2A/Photo%2Bfor%2BID%2BMikaela%2BDaum.jpg Lab Members - Mikaela Daum(Summer 2021) Mikaela graduated from Texas Tech University (May 2022) and majored in Microbiology. She is interested in pathogenic microbiology and how host-microbe interactions on the molecular level lead to infection. She joined us during her time as part of the McGovern Medical School Summer Research Program for Undergraduates (Micro-SURP) and the GradSURP programs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e878c8adc1e6b3b60ad8954/1590765688784-AT9QAS4QLIMNNKRXQKED/IMG_2874%5B1%5D.JPG Lab Members - Aayush Purohit (Summer 2020) Aayush graduated from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill majoring in Biology (Quantitative Biology track) and Statistics. His research interests are in immunology and pharmacology, particularly with host-pathogen interactions and their impacts on the immune response. https://www.thewalkerlab.net/general-1 daily 0.75 2025-07-11