Damon Runyon Researchers

Dr. Gill [HHMI Fellow] is studying cell-cell communication via quorum sensing in developing biofilms. Biofilms are communities of bacteria that take on a three-dimensional structure and often develop striking visual features like wrinkles. Resident bacteria exploit this complexity to resist antimicrobial treatments and cause disease, particularly in healthcare settings, where biofilms pose serious threats to immunocompromised chemotherapy patients. Quorum sensing is the process by which bacteria orchestrate collective behaviors, including the assembly and dissolution of biofilm communities. Using quantitative microscopy at single-cell resolution, Dr. Gill is investigating how these signals between bacteria result in the construction of spectacular 3D biofilms at the air-liquid interface. A deeper understanding of how bacteria thrive in dynamic environments will contribute to new strategies to combat infections, which will positively impact treatments for all cancer types. Dr. Gill received her PhD from Harvard University, Cambridge and her BS from Drexel University, Philadelphia.