Javier Ignacio Sanchez-Villami

Email: jaisanch@utmb.edu
Degree(s):
PhD in Cell Biology
MS in Cell Biology
BS Chemistry, Biology, and Parasitology
Research Focus: Microbiology and Immunology
Mentor: Alfredo G. Torres

Research Statement: Currently, my work in Dr. Alfredo Torres’ laboratory is centered around the development of a nanovaccine platform against Burkholderia infection. The potential for B.mallei and B.pseudomallei to cause illness in humans and animals, low infectious doses, multidrug antibiotic resistance, the lack of effective treatment, and the predicted endemicity in soil and water of Latin America and the Caribbean highlight the development of effective vaccines in the emerging infectious disease field. Also, we are trying to translate this vaccine platform by using Enterohaemorrhagic E. coli as an infection model. Another project involves the development of an intestinal infection model to elucidate the adherence and invasiveness of B. pseudomallei and the virulence factors associated.