Bone is a dynamic and complex organ whose integrity is controlled by the interaction of many cell types, including osteoclasts which remove bone and osteoblasts which build it. A major area of interest is how bone cells interact with foreign invaders – in the form of tumor cells or microbes – focusing on the host as a potential therapeutic target. Currently, we study infection of bone with S. aureus, the most common organism in human osteomyelitis, particularly focusing on interactions of this bacterium with cells of the myeloid lineage including osteoclasts. Our focus on tumor-bone interactions is acute T cell leukemia (ATL), a rare but interesting malignancy caused by infection with HTLV-1 virus. We use a combination of disease models, genetic mouse models, and in vitro cultures, providing a broad range of potential research projects as well as diverse technical approaches. Most of our projects are collaborative, taking advantage of the wealth of expertise in the Washington University Musculoskeletal Research Center. The research opportunities, combined with personalized mentorship, provide a positive environment in which to develop as a scientist. 

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We welcome lab members at any training stage, from backgrounds regardless of age, race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, or nationality. While we all share a love of science and a desire to maintain the utmost integrity in our work, all have unique goals and mentorship is personalized to ahcieve goals and promote success.