Vern Carruthers

Vernon Carruthers, Ph.D.

Professor and Associate Chair
Microbiology and Immunology
Accepting New Students?
Yes
Trainings and Identities:
MORE Mentor Training, Implicit Bias Training, Anti-Racism Training, Gender Bias or Discrimination Training. First Generation-Identified
Research Interests:
ESCRT, endocytosis, autophagy, genetics, infection

Research Interests

Our research team is identifying how the promiscuous intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii exploits host ESCRT to endocytose and degrade material from the cytosol of infected cells during acute infection. We are also defining how activates its own autophagy system to persist indefinitely in its hosts indefinitely. To gain such insights we utilize a variety of forward and reverse genetic approaches in concert with advanced fluorescence microscopy and image analysis modalities.

DEI Statement

The Carruthers lab looks forward to future opportunities to mentor aspiring young scientists pursuing research careers in biomedical research. We place high value on diversity and welcome all individuals regardless of their background, race, religion, gender and gender identity, political views, sexual orientation, or disabilities. We especially encourage dedicated and ambitious individuals who treat others with respect, kindness, inclusion, and understanding to join our team.