Kaylie L.N. Lam, Ph.D.

My long-term research interest centers on host-microbe interactions, and how these interactions shape microbial gene expression and pathophysiology, thus ultimately impacting disease and/or health outcome. My academic training and research experience have given me an excellent foundation in multiple biological science disciplines including molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, biochemistry, immunology, and molecular genetics, as well as exposure to an array of interdisciplinary techniques. My PhD studies were conducted at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore under the supervision of Prof. Kimberly Kline (recently moved to University of Geneva). Spurred by my curiosity and fascination for bacterial infections and their implications to public health, I chose to study Enterococcus faecalis, one of the six renowned ESKAPE pathogens, and its pathogenesis. Upon completion of my predoctoral training, I decided to move to the US to further my studies into the pathophysiology of E. faecalis, particularly in different infection/niche settings. Collectively, these experiences ignite my curiosity of microbial interactions, particularly in the context of commensal-pathogen relationships since most infections are poly-microbial in nature. In line with my dream of being an independent investigator, coupled with a strong foundation in basic research, I wanted to pursue a new line of investigation that can entails some degree of translational research, and challenge new paradigm, particularly in the thought-provoking yet captivating pathogen-commensal interactions that are emerging as critical factors that tip disease or health outcomes. With the support of my faculty peers, I am aiming to accelerate my transition to an early-stage investigator in the field of female reproductive health in the next 5 years.

My long-term research interest centers on host-microbe interactions, and how these interactions shape microbial gene expression and pathophysiology, thus ultimately impacting disease and/or health outcome. Spurred by my curiosity and fascination for bacterial infections and their implications to public health, I chose to study Enterococcus faecalis, one of the six renowned ESKAPE pathogens, and its pathogenesis. A commensal of the gastrointestinal and urogenital tract, E. faecalis is also a prevalent nosocomial pathogen in biofilm-associated infections due to their adaptability to adverse conditions, including intrinsic and acquired resistance to antibiotics. For these reasons, alternative or improved therapeutics are urgently needed to combat enterococcal infections. My current line of studies entails deciphering mechanisms of virulence of E. faecalis, particularly in metal acquisition systems and the development of multi-variant protein-based enterococcal vaccine.

• Clinical Microbiology
• Gut Microbiome
• Host-pathogen interaction
• Immunotherapy
• Molecular genetics and biology of pathogenic bacteria and their drug resistance