Alexander W. Ensminger
Assistant Professor
BSc, Haverford College, 1999
PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2006
Postdoc, Tufts University School of Medicine, 2006-2011
Address | MSB Room 4261 1 King's College Circle Toronto, ON M5S 1A8 |
Lab | Ensminger Group |
Lab Phone | 416-978-3831 |
Office Phone | 416-978-6522 |
alex.ensminger@utoronto.ca |
Research Description
The Evolution of Microbial Disease
The Ensminger lab is interested in the evolution of microbial pathogens and the mechanisms by which these diminutive organisms persist in our environment and make us sick.
We focus our attention primarily on Legionella pneumophila, a remarkable bacterial pathogen that maintains the microbial world’s largest known arsenal of translocated effectors (with over 300 identified to date). Unlocking the secrets of this arsenal holds immense promise to provide novel insight into fundamental eukaryotic pathways, human health, and disease.
We use a variety of approaches in the lab, from advanced sequencing technologies (Illumina, Pacific Biosciences), bioinformatics, microbial genetics, high-throughput genetic and chemogenetic screening, and experimental evolution.