The Wilson Laboratory

Biography
Dr. Wilson earned a BS from Utah State University in Medical Laboratory Science. He then worked as a clinical chemist at the University of Utah hospital for just over a year. He then returned to Utah State University and completed a Masters degree in parasitology. Following the completing of his MS degree, he completed a PhD degree in molecular immunology at Montana State University in the laboratory of Dr. Mark Jutila. Dr. Wilson worked as a post doctoral fellow at Montana State University and then at Stanford University in the laboratory of Eugene C. Butcher.

Dr. Wilson has been teaching at Brigham Young University since 2004.

Research in the Wilson Laboratory
The Wilson Laboratory investigates how the bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) survives the innate immune system and causes disease. MRSA is a leading cause of skin infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and antibiotic-resistant disease worldwide. Our research seeks to understand the fundamental biology of this important pathogen and identify accessory genes and regulatory pathways that enable bacterial survival during infection.

Using molecular genetics, microbiology, immunology, and computational biology, we discover bacterial pathways required for growth, cell wall stability, and interactions with host fatty acids. Our long-term goal is to discover new targets for next-generation antimicrobial therapies that selectively eliminate pathogens while preserving the beneficial host microbiome. Research in the Wilson Laboratory has received past support through multiple NIH R15 awards and an NIH R01 research grant.

Students in the Wilson Laboratory
Students in the Wilson Laboratory participate in every stage of the research process, including bacterial genetics, whole-genome mutant screening (Tn-seq), gene regulation studies, and large-scale computational data analysis. Undergraduate researchers typically join the laboratory during their sophomore year and commit at least 10 hours per week to laboratory research, scientific reading, data analysis, and scientific discussion.

After one semester of training, students develop independent research projects, present their findings at scientific meetings, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications. Former undergraduate researchers from the Wilson Laboratory have gone on to earn advanced degrees at leading research institutions, including Vanderbilt University, Case Western Reserve University, Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Pennsylvania, and Emory University.

The Wilson Laboratory welcomes curious, self-motivated students who enjoy solving challenging biological problems and making meaningful contributions to infectious disease research.

Lab Philosophy
We believe research is about much more than learning laboratory techniques. Our goal is to enable students to become independent scientists who understand the principles behind every experiment, ask thoughtful questions, and develop creativity and confidence to recognize and solve problems.

In the Wilson Laboratory we believe: “Doing is important, understanding is importanter!"