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College of Life Sciences Microbiology and Molecular Biology
Wilson Lab

The Wilson Laboratory

Wilson Lab Video

Dr. Wilson has extensive training in immunology as well as various aspects of microbiology. His PhD and Postdoctoral studies were in immunology (Montana State and Stanford Universities). His Master’s degree was completed at Utah State University studying Parasitology. Dr. Wilson’s early research at BYU focused on how cells of the immune system accumulate to specific sites within the body. While involved in this research, Dr. Wilson received two NIH sponsored grants as well as a USDA sponsored grant.

Over the past several years the Wilson laboratory has transitioned to a focus on host pathogen interactions. Current projects in the Wilson lab focus on defining the role of nutritional immunity (host manipulation of metal availability) during mammary gland infections using Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. We are also investigating the role of bacterial regulatory systems on influencing neutrophil response in S. aureus infections.

The Wilson laboratory also has active projects dealing with extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) which is a common cause of mastitis in cows and systemic infections in poultry. Our research deals with better understanding the influence of the microbiome on the carriage of bacterial pathogens in wild and domestic birds, in addition to understanding the role of bacterial virulence factors in these diseases.

The Wilson laboratory has active collaborations with laboratories at BYU as well as other universities.

Currently, we work closely with the laboratory of Dr. Jovanka Voyich at Montana State University (More information about Dr. Voyich can be found at http://www.montana.edu/mbi/directory/1524709/jovanka-voyich). Our Staphylococcus aureus research collaboration with the Voyich lab is currently funded (2020-2025) through NIH RO1 grant.

On campus collaborative projects include ongoing work with laboratories in the BYU Microbiology Department (metal acquisition and bacterial virulence), Psychology Department (Influence of Toxoplasma gondii on neurobiology), Biology Department (parasites of wild fish populations) and the Plant & Wildlife Sciences Department (microbiome research).