Our laboratory studies host-microbe interactions in the genitourinary tract. Specifically, we are interested in how these components interact in the context of antibiotic and probiotic interventions, as well as diverse states of genitourinary health and disease, such as urothelial stem cell responses to bacteria, biofilms, chronic parasite infections, and urosepsis. Through our research, we hope to improve care for high impact urologic diseases. We are part of the Stanford Department of Urology and an affiliated member of the Bio-X and Institute for Immunity, Transplantation, and Infection interdisciplinary programs at Stanford. More »

Commensal probiotic lactobacilli, such as the single L. reuteri cell in the center of the field shown above (long, thin rod), grow readily in association with vaginal epithelial cells (large round cells). Strains such as these candidate probiotics may protect the female genitourinary tract from infection. More »