About Us

The FEMERIS Women’s Health Research Center has two research teams, the Applied Microbiology and Infectious Disease Team lead by Dr. Scott Gygax and the Advanced Genetic Diagnostics Team lead by Dr. Sergey Balashov.

Applied Microbiology and Infectious Disease Team

The research of the Applied Microbiology and Infectious Disease Team is focused on the development of assays to detect antimicrobial resistance in bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections associated with Obstetric and Gynecological infections, such as Group B Streptococcus, Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Candida spp., and Trichomonas vaginalis. We try to understand microbial and immunological factors associated with recurrent and chronic bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis. Additionally, we works towards the discovery of novel therapeutics by designing and performing high-through-put small molecule inhibitor screens against microbial pathogens in collaboration with Venenum Biodesign, L.L.C. and the development of engineered probiotics to maintain health vaginal and gastrointestinal environments.

Scott E. Gygax, Ph.D. Director of FEMERIS Team Leader Applied Microbiology and Infectious Disease	Jessica Schuyler, M.S. Laboratory Manager
Sean Chadwick, M.S. Research Associate	Geoffrey Toner, M.S. Research Associate
David W. Hilbert, Ph.D. Research Scientist III	Terry Paulish Miller, M.S. Research Associate
W. Lamar Smith, B.S. Collaborative Research Clinical Coordinator

Advanced Genetic Diagnostics Team

The research of the Advanced Genetic Diagnostics (AGD) Team is focused on microbial and human genetics and genomics, clinical diagnostic test development, validation and implementation with focus on nucleic acid based assays. We use a variety of contemporary DNA and RNA based molecular technologies, which include real-time PCR, Luminex® microarray, and 454 next generation sequencing. AGD has developed high complexity diagnostic assays for human genetic diseases and microbial pathogens: cystic fibrosis mutation panel, Ashkenazi Jewish mutation panel, factor II and V mutation test, sickle cell anemia mutation test, Neisseria gonorrhoeae antibiotic resistance mutation panel. Recently, we developed a Lactobacillus speciation and quantitation testing for improved bacterial vaginosis detection and monitoring of antibiotic treatment success. Currently, our team is investigating the role of commensal vaginal flora, i.e. Lactobacilli, in maintaining a health vaginal environment.

Sergey Balashov, Ph.D. Team Leader Advanced Genetic Diagnostics

Collaborative Partners

Current collaborative efforts include the investigation of microbial and immunological factors associated with preterm birth, premature rupture of membranes, and intrauterine growth restriction.

Kathryn Iocono, Ph.D. Molecular Diagnostic Development Team Leader Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, L.L.C.

Current collaborative efforts include the development of a probiotic strain for a therapy for gastrointestinal inflammation.

Grant Gallagher, Ph.D. Genetic Immunology Team Leader Humigen, L.L.C.

Joseph Nickels, Ph.D. Director of Target Biology and Validation Venenum Biodesign, L.L.C.