Brian Geiss, Ph.D.
Director, Microbiology-Immunology Master’s Program
Professor, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology
Faculty, School of Biomedical Engineering
I have been with the Microbiology-Immunology Master’s Program since it began in 2013, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my interactions with the students both while they are in the program as well as after they’ve graduated and gone on to successful careers. I greatly enjoy discussing cutting-edge technologies and current issues in microbiology and health that affect our society with my students, mentoring students to help them obtain fulfilling careers, and challenging students to become effective advocates for science in the wider community.
Educational Background
- Ph.D., Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 2002
- B.S., University of Kansas, 1997
Research
My research group’s focus, as part of the CSU Center for Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases (CVID), is understanding how RNA viruses (such as dengue and SARS-CoV-2) replicate at the molecular and biochemical levels in order to develop novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of viral diseases. We are also interested in developing novel virus-based tools that can be used by the wider scientific community. We use a wide range of tools (classical virology, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, engineering, computational biology, etc.) to understand how these important human pathogens replicate to help identify new strategies to treat and prevent infection and help improve human and animal health.
Areas of Interest
Virology, RNA Biology, Antiviral Drug Discovery, Viral Biochemistry, Diagnostics Development
Grace Borlee, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology
I have been with the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology since 2011. Prior to coming to Colorado State University, I was a research scientist at the University of Washington and the toxicology group leader at a contract research organization. More recently, I have taught course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) laboratory courses, an undergraduate early career preparation in microbiology course, and a graduate-level course for research team mentoring for the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology. As a research scientist, I have mentored numerous undergraduate and MS-B students in the laboratory. I enjoy teaching students new laboratory techniques and then watching them blossom into confident, independent researchers. My goal is to prepare students for a fulfilling career so that they can successfully embark on their scientific journey.
Educational Background
- Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2003
- B.A., Monmouth College, 1998
Research
I am a research scientist located at the Infectious Disease Research Center at the Foothills campus at Colorado State University. I am interested in studying the regulatory role of the secondary messenger, cyclic di-GMP, in the regulation of pathogenesis and biofilm formation in the select agent Burkholderia pseudomallei. The secretion of uncharacterized polysaccharides and cryptic molecules is also of key interest to our laboratory group. More recently, we have isolated and characterized bacterial endosymbionts from Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and the biting midge (Culicoides sonorensis) with the goal of identifying suitable bacterial candidates for developing paratransgenesis approaches to reduce viral replication.
Areas of Interest
Biofilms, Bacterial Genetics, Cyclic Di-GMP, Polysaccharides, Bacterial Endosymbionts
Mercedes Gonzalez-Juarrero, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology
I’ve taught in the Microbiology-Immunology Master’s program since its inauguration in 2013. I enjoy opening the eyes of future professionals to the wonders of immunology and teaching students how to navigate complicated networks operating within the immune system. I feel highly rewarded seeing students moving on in their careers and their lives. This program has demonstrated to advance professional frontiers and opportunities of students, and for this reason I look forward getting to know you in my classes next year.
Educational Background
- Ph.D., Centro de Biologia Molecular, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Spain, 1990
- M.S., Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain, 1985
- B.S. Biology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain, 1982
Research
My laboratory, as part of the CSU Mycobacteria Research Laboratories (MRL), studies and tests efficacy of antimicrobial drugs and host directed therapies (HDT) for tuberculosis (TB) and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). We use animal models of TB and NTM to develop new therapeutics against the bacteria. Our approach also aims to test therapies delivery via aerosol in combination with current TB and NTM chemotherapy. As a teaching faculty in the MIP, I teach and coordinate the course MIP612 Applied Immunology and participate in several other courses in immunology. In addition, I train undergraduate, graduate students and postgraduate scientists in mycobacteria research.
Areas of Interest
Immunopathology, Therapies, Drug Development, Animal Models
Casey Gries, Ph.D.
Instructor, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology
I joined CSU in 2021 with a joint appointment in MIP and the Fort Collins campus of the CU Anschutz School of Medicine where I teach in a combination of graduate and medical courses. I have been studying and teaching in the field of microbial pathogens and infectious diseases for over 10 years. My goal as a teacher is to facilitate an interactive and engaging classroom environment and, and in so doing, help students think like the scientists and medical professionals they will become. I encourage students to engage in critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills using real-life situations, and I encourage classroom interaction using collaboration and incorporating open-ended discussions into traditional didactic lectures. My goal is for students to be able to utilize and apply their individual talents to solve tomorrow’s problems.
Educational Background
- Ph.D., Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 2014
- B.S., Biology, University of Sioux Falls, 2008
Research
My research interests are in bacterial pathogenesis and innate immunity, and my current laboratory work is focused on the molecular mechanisms of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation and medical device-associated infections. The goal of my research is to further our understanding of biofilm-mediated infection development and associated innate immune responses with the long-term goal of developing novel strategies to prevent and treat device-associated S. aureus infections.
Areas of Interest
Bacteriology, biofilms, infectious diseases, innate immunology, microscopy
Rebecca Moritz, M.S., S.M.(NRCM), CBSP
Biosafety Director and Responsible Official,
Vice President for Research, Colorado State University
Joint Academic & Administrative Associate, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology
I have been with Colorado State University (CSU) since September 2020. Prior to my time at CSU, I was at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where I worked as a researcher, then a biosafety and biosecurity professional. My career in biosafety and biosecurity has spanned over a decade in which I have been a part of variety of unique circumstances including many reactive and proactive science communication outreach activities. I am enjoying the opportunity to teach and share my experiences and thoughts about biosafety and biosecurity with students. My hope is that the students take what they learn and apply it in their careers helping to create safer and more secure scientists. I thoroughly enjoy discussing science and learning about research projects and data.
Educational Background
- M.S., University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2006
- B.S., University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2002
Research
The Biosafety Office at CSU is interested in conducting basic biosafety research to better inform future risk assessments as well as gain a greater understanding of the risks of new technologies and organisms. We are also looking at ways of enhancing biosecurity practices in the scientific community both internally and externally to CSU.
Areas of Interest
Biosafety, Biosecurity, Dual Use Research of Concern, Science Communication
Joel Rovnak, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology
My course, Modern Molecular Biology for Microbiologists, was designed as a core component of the Microbiology-Immunology Master’s Program in 2013. The purpose of the course is to ground students in the cell and molecular biology necessary for comprehension and performance of current investigations of infectious diseases. The course content is constantly updated to reflect current advances and this is reflected best in the literature reviewed in the recitation component of the course. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of topics in molecular biology that will serve students as they move forward in their chosen career fields of basic research, science communication, biotechnology or medicine.
Educational Background
- Ph.D., Molecular Virology, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, 1999
- M.S., Microbiology, Colorado State University, 1989
- B.S., Microbiology, Colorado State University, 1982
Research
My research investigates virus control of host cell function, specifically control of host transcription. This work was initiated with studies of oncogenic retroviruses, Bovine Leukemia Virus, Human T-cell Leukemia Virus and Walleye Dermal Sarcoma Virus, to identify viral mechanisms involved in host cell transformation and tumor formation. Over time, it became clear that many non-oncogenic viruses also encode proteins that directly control host gene expression through similar molecular mechanisms, and current investigations are focused on virus control of host transcription by the alphaherpesviruses, Herpes Simplex and Varicella Zoster Virus, by the flaviviruses, dengue and Zika virus, and by coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2.
Areas of Interest
Molecular Virology, Cancer, Eukaryotic Gene Expression, Viral Diagnostics, Anti-viral Therapies
Jeffrey Wilusz, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology
I have a strong commitment to graduate education and firmly believe in creating an inclusive environment that promotes individual growth in order to propel each and every student to achieve their professional goals. That is precisely the reason that I conceived and developed the department’s Microbiology-Immunology Master’s Program in 2013. I truly enjoy teaching in this program and seeing students actually achieve what they are capable of both academically and professionally. I believe in presenting and leading in depth discussions on microbiology topics to teach students not only what is known at the cutting edge of the discipline, but also what are the key knowledge gaps that need to be addressed for the future. In other words, I strive to not only deliver a body of knowledge in my sessions, but also to teach why that knowledge is useful and what can be done with it down the road.
Educational Background
- Ph.D., Duke University, 1985
- B.S., Rutgers University, 1981
Research
My laboratory focuses on RNA – by far the coolest aspect of molecular biology (in my humble opinion anyway…). Specifically, we focus on how the RNA genomes and transcripts of RNA viruses interface with the RNA biology of the infected cell. We are particularly interested in determining the underlying mechanisms for how viral RNAs – which should be recognized as foreign molecules in the cytoplasm and quickly degraded – have evolved to maintain their stability during infection. We also study how cellular RNA processes like splicing, polyadenylation and transcript stability are specifically impacted by viral RNAs and viral infection. Collectively these studies will not only provide insight into a novel area of host-viral interactions, but also may reveal novel avenues for the development of broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutics.
Areas of Interest
Virology, RNA Biology, Post-transcriptional Gene Regulation
