microbesadapt.com

Welcome to the McNealy Lab Website at Clemson University!

Microbes inhabit every possible niche on our planet. Through numerous and varied mechanisms, they have adapted to each environment our planet and the occupants of the planet have to offer. This adaptibility also allows many environmental microbes to be opportunistic pathogens of humans. This transition ability - from environmental niche to opportunisitic pathogen - is where the interest of the McNealy lab lie.

In particular, we are currently study two microbes which cause opportunistic disease in humans: Francisella tularensis and Legionella pneumophila. Interestingly, particular strains of these two microbes can both be found in water environments in association with protozoa. However, although their mechanisms within the host cell and pathogenicity are very different, the ecology which drives the maintenance of these mechanisms may be similar. On our research page you will find more information about the investigations we're doing to try to learn the secrets of these pathogens.

See our current news section for information on the SC Branch ASM and SC Life presentations! With pictures!

Current opportunities for undergraduate students may be available in the McNealy lab starting in Spring or Summer 2011. See the Opportunities Section for more information. Contact the lab for more information. If you'd like to know more about the lab, feel free to contact any of the lab members for information, you can find their email addresses under their pictures on the About Us page. Please contact Dr. McNealy specifically regarding positions.