Subject areas:
Research
The Dean Lab studies sexually-transmitted and ocular Chlamydia trachomatis infections. Studies of human populations and in vitro and bioinformatic approaches address the molecular epidemiology of Chlamydia and host-pathogen interactions to better understand disease pathogenesis using genomics/metagenomics, dual RNA-sequencing, host immune responses and host microbiomes. The lab also collaborates with start-ups to develop vaccines and rapid inexpensive point-of-care diagnostics for C. trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae for global deployment. AMR in N. gonorrhoeae is also a focus. Dr. Dean’s international research includes populations in Nepal, Ecuador, Thailand, Vietnam and currently Fiji. She has a long track record of mentoring diversity scholars, and is an advocate for ocular and reproductive health among neglected populations.