This program is centered around the study of microbial biofilms, communities of bacteria and other microorganisms that grow attached to a surface or interface within a self-secreted extracellular polymeric slime matrix. Biofilm cells are distinct in the genes and proteins they express, resulting in unique behaviors that include altered resistance to antimicrobials and host immune systems. Bacterial biofilms have been implicated in more than 80 percent of chronic, infectious diseases and are also the principal cause of biofouling which affects many industrial systems. Program research will focus on three main aspects; 1) how biofilms form and develop, 2) biofilm-specific mechanisms of antimicrobial tolerance, resistance, and virulence, and 3) how biofilm community structure and composition impacts function. Due to the interdisciplinary nature and impact of biofilms, undergraduate research projects may cover microbiology, molecular biology, cellular biology, and engineering disciplines.