Joy Sturtevant, PhD
Professor
Co-Director Basic Science Curriculum, Office of Medical Education
Professor
Co-Director Basic Science Curriculum, Office of Medical Education
1901 Perdido St.
Box P6-1
Microbiology, Immunology & Parasitology
New Orleans, LA 70119
jsturt@lsuhsc.edu
Degrees
BS Zoology - 1977
Colorado State University, Ft.Collins, CO
PhD Immunology - 1985
Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
Research Interests
Pathogens have evolved to thwart our immune response and/or 'peacefully' reside within our body. How do they do this? Our laboratory focuses on the initial interactions between pathogen and host, and the intracellular signaling events that dictate a response in either host or pathogen. We are studying two different microorganisms to address these responses. First, we are studying Candida albicans, the most common opportunistic fungal pathogen and the 4th most common nosocomial infectious agent but also a member of the normal microbiota. The ability of the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans to cause disease requires rapid adaptation to changes in the host environment and to an evolving host immune response. We are particularly interested in Candida ‘survival’ factors and their effect on host-‐pathogen interaction. The second project is a collaborative venture with Dr. Haas in Biochemistry. This project is researching on how Shigella Type III secretion proteins reprogram the host innate immune response. Shigella is a major contributor to gastroenteritis and the causative agent of dysentery. We are focusing on how Shigella E3 type ubiquitin ligases usurp host signaling pathways. We feel that these studies will advance our knowledge of how pathogens adapt and survive in the host and will assist in the identification of new antimicrobial strategies. Molecular genetic, proteomic, cell culture and cell biology techniques are used to answer these questions.
Teaching Activities
Introduction to Microbial Pathogenesis
Molecular Biology of Pathogenic Eukaryotes
Advanced Bacteriology
Medical Microbiology
Dental Microbiology
Science and Practice of Medicine (SPM): Ethics and Clinical Forums
Committees & Administrative Responsibilities
MIP Graduate Program, Co-coordinator
MIP Graduate Student Qualifying Committee, Chairman
MIP Emergency Preparedness Committee Member
LSUHSC-SOG Graduate Advisory Council MIP Representative, GAC Curriculum Committee Member; Graduate Research Committee, Chair
LSUHSC-SOG IDP Curriculum Development Committee
LSUHSC-SOM PreClerkship Course Directors, Chairman
LSUHSC-SOM Curriculum Renewal Committee Member
LSUHSC-SOM Curriculum Steering Committee
LSUHSC-SOM Academic Standards
LSUHSC-SOM Student Promotions Committee
LSUHSC-SOM Communications Committee Member, Newsletter Working Group, Research Editor
LSUHSC-SOM Community Outreach Committee Member,Service Projects Development & Communication (Impact) Team Leader
LSUHSC IPE Team UP Facilitator
LSUHSC IT Classroom Subpolling Committee
Selected Publications
For a list of publications, click here.