Microbiology & Cell Science

Melissa Jones

Associate Professor

Teaching Interests

Dr. Jones teaches the General Virology lecture course for undergraduate students (MCB4503) in the spring and graduate students (MCB5505) in the spring and summer. The goal of Dr. Jones' teaching program is to enhance virology education at the university and provide students with a strong, foundational understanding of viruses, how they cause infection and how they can be used to treat and potentially cure disease. While her classes are 100% online and asynchronous, she enjoys interacting with students and holds open discussion sessions throughout the semester so students can ask questions about the class or virology in general. She is also available during office hours and by appointment so students have every opportunity to connect with her if they desire.

Education
- B.S. (2001) University of Florida, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition
- Ph.D. (2006) University of Florida, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition; Food Microbiology Specialization

Description of Research

Dr. Jones is interested in investigating the relationship between noroviruses and commensal bacteria. Specifically, her lab focuses on how viral interactions impact the bacteria that make up the intestinal microbiome and how alterations in bacterial gene expression and extracellular vesicle production ultimately impact viral infection of host cells. The goal of understanding the molecular nature of this bacterial-viral relationship is to use this knowledge to determine molecular mechanisms of viral infection, develop improved norovirus capture and detection methodologies and investigate novel ways to prevent viral transmission or infection.

In addition, Dr. Jones' lab also researches extracellular vesicles produced by commensal bacteria (bEVs). These vesicles are underexplored and Dr. Jones' lab has recently characterized the content of vesicles produced by physiologically relevant bacteria and their impact on regulating host innate immune responses. While the lab has focused on the role of bEVs in regulating norovirus infection and modifying these vesicles for use as a novel vaccine platform for prevention of norovirus infection, they have also begun to explore the impact of these vesicles in initiating chronic intestinal disease, specifically inflammatory bowel diseases.

352-392-5923

Office:
Rm. # 1148
Microbiology Building 981