Research Area(s)
- Identification of genes and small RNAs important for virulence of bacterial pathogens
- The regulation of antigenic variation and bacterial persistence
- Determining the role of bacteriophage in horizontal gene transfer contributing to bacterial persistence in endemic populations
- Exploring the importance of bacteriophage in protective immunity
About
VACCINE FORMULATION & DELIVERY GROUP
Dr. Jenny Wachter completed her PhD at Northern Illinois University in 2016 where she studied the pilE antigenic variation system in Neisseria gonorrhoeae. She then completed her post-doctoral training at Rocky Mountain Laboratories, part of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, in Hamilton, MT from 2016-2022. Jenny combines bioinformatics with molecular and microbiological techniques to uncover the contributions of genes and non-coding or small RNAs within pathogenic bacteria. She joined VIDO as a Research Scientist in 2022 to build a research program focused on uncovering the roles of genes and phage in the pathogenicity of Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiological agent of Lyme disease. The Wachter lab seeks to provide a better understanding of Borrelia pathogenesis that will advance the understanding, prevention, and treatment of Lyme disease.