I am a faculty at the University of Texas at Tyler and a biomedical research scientist at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, our sister institution. My research involves bacterial-host cell interactions in the context of bacterial infection processes in cellular and molecular level. In addition to cell and molecular biology techniques, we have developed a couple of animal models to identify the parameters involved in epithelial permeability and lung edema, pulmonary infections in cystic fibrosis, acute nosocomial pneumonia, and pleural injury. In addition, in collaboration with Dr. Omri at the Laurentian University in Canada, we are investigating the safety and efficacy of novel liposomal antibiotic formulations in the treatment of bacterial infections (preclinical studies). As for Clinical Research, I am an active member and the President Elect of the North Texas Chapter of the ACRP.