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    Microbiology & Cell Science

    Microbiology & Cell Science

    Ferraro Lab


    Host-Pathogenic Microbe Interactions

    Ferraro Lab


    Host-Pathogenic Microbe Interactions


    Welcome to our research laboratory, where we are dedicated to making a positive impact on public health by developing therapies and preventative approaches against Gram-negative infections. Our team is composed of driven individuals who are committed to understanding the intricacies of host-pathogen interactions and how we can leverage this knowledge to develop effective treatments. We take a multi-disciplinary approach to our research, combining advanced techniques in proteomics and other omics technologies with high-throughput phenotypic studies and animal models to identify novel targets for therapy development. Specifically, we are fascinated by the roles of bioactive lipids, extracellular vesicles, and outer membrane vesicles in enteric infections, and we are actively exploring their potential for therapeutic purposes.

    As a member of our laboratory, you will have the unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research and learn innovative techniques that can improve the field of infectious disease. At our laboratory, we believe in the power of collaboration and exposing our students to a diverse network of leading experts in the field. We are also open to welcoming collaborations with researchers who are interested in using multi-omics approaches. With our extensive expertise in proteomics and other omics technologies, you can expect to receive exceptional training and support as you develop your research skills and make a significant impact in combating Gram-negative infections. Our team is passionate about exploring the intricacies of host-pathogen interactions and developing innovative treatments to improve public health.

     


    Our Research

    • Extracellular Vesicle
    • Extracellular Vesicle

      Our group is focused on the molecular aspects of extracellular vesicles and their roles in immune responses to enteric infections. We recently discovered a novel function of extracellular vesicles in priming protective innate and adaptive immune responses against Salmonella infection. Our current research is investigating the mechanisms of action and trafficking of antigens to the vesicular compartments.

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    • Bioactive Lipids
    • Bioactive Lipids

      We have identified new roles for bioactive lipids, such as prostaglandins in macrophage polarization, supporting the elimination of bacteria. We have also found that bacterial pathogens can perturb the prostaglandin system through their virulence factors delivered by Type Three Secretion Systems. Currently, we are interested in the functions of other bioactive lipids, such as endocannabinoids and cannabinoids, in the host response to infection and the regulation of inflammation.

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    • Host-Targeting Approaches Against Gram-Negative Infections
    • Host-Targeting Approaches Against Gram-Negative Infections

      At our laboratory, we are working on developing host-targeting approaches to fight against Gram-negative infections. Our research is centered on using chemical proteomics to examine enzymatic changes throughout the course of infections, with a particular focus on the activity of serine hydrolases and deubiquitinases. We have also discovered the roles of some of these enzymes in controlling inflammation or autophagy. In addition, we utilize high throughput assays to identify inhibitors of host enzymes that prime innate immune responses against Gram-negative infections. Our ultimate goal is to utilize chemical proteomics and high throughput phenotypic studies to develop effective host-targeting approaches against Gram-negative infections.

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    • Publications
    • Publications
    • Publications
    • Publications
    • How to Apply to Our Graduate Program
    • How to Apply to Our Graduate Program

      Admissions and Application Information

      The University of Florida Graduate School requires an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 to be eligible for admission. Fulfillment of the minimum requirement does not guarantee an applicant’s acceptance into the program. In evaluating each applicant, the department’s Graduate Committee members include in their consideration a thorough review of the transcript, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, area of research interest, etc. Students are encouraged to complete undergraduate coursework in biochemistry and microbiology before they apply.

      How to Apply

      Admission into the UF Microbiology and Cell Science graduate program requires that an applicant be accepted both by the UF Graduate School and by the Microbiology and Cell Science Department. To complete the application process, apply online via the Graduate School admissions web site and select the “Graduate” option to create an account and begin your application. Select the “Apply Now” icon below to go directly to the Ph.D. Application.

      Students are admitted to the PhD program each fall semester. Applications must be completed by December 15th to be considered for admission the following fall semester.

      We are not currently accepting applications for the thesis master’s degree program.

      Apply Now

      Required Application Materials

      • Application fee of $30.
      • Unofficial Transcripts. Official transcripts will be required for all admitted students. 
      • CV or resume.
      • Three letters of recommendation (LOR). We suggest that candidates request LOR from professional/academic mentors or colleagues that can comment on their academic/research experiences.
      • Personal statement. The personal statement should consist of a brief essay describing your research experience, career goals, and area of research interest (limit 500 words)
      • Supplemental information. Use this form to provide additional information that will be reviewed by the admissions committee
      • International Applicants must also submit TOEFL or IELTS scores 
        • TOEFL Minimum Acceptable Scores: 4.5 overall, 4.0 on each subsection (4.5 required on the speaking section) 
          • TOEFL Score Codes for UF: Institution Code is 5812, Department Code is 07
        • IELTS Minimum Acceptable Scores: 6.5 overall (7 required on the speaking section) 
          • UF is registered to receive IELTS scores using the IELTS Results Service E-Delivery. Scores should be sent to the University of Florida, which only accepts scores from this E-delivery service. UF does not accept paper Test Report Forms or unofficial copies of IELTS Test Report Forms from students. Applicants should contact the IELTS test center where they took the IELTS to request their official test results be sent to our account name: The University of Florida. An institution code is not required.

      Please contact Jacqueline Lee at jlee9@ufl.edu if you have any questions regarding the application process or deadline.

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    The Ferraro Lab Members

     

    Mariola Ferraro

    Mariola Ferraro

    Principal Investigator
    Microbiology & Cell Science Building
    352-846-0954

     
     
     
     
     
    Aubrey Atkins

    Aubrey Atkins

    Ph.D. Student

     
     
     
     
     
    Saloni Bhimani

    Saloni Bhimani

    Ph.D. Student

     
     
     
     
     
    Samantha Enslow

    Samantha Enslow

    Ph.D. Student

     
     
     
     
     
    Heather Rogers

    Heather Rogers

    Ph.D. Student

     
     
     
     
     
    Alex Schultz

    Alex Schultz

    Ph.D. Student

     
     
     
     
     
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    Microbiology & Cell Science Department
    1355 Museum Dr. Gainesville, FL, 32611 Building 981 P.O. Box 110700 Gainesville, FL 32611-0180
    (352) 392-1906

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