Research and Teaching Interests
Dr. Cardona’s long-term research goal is to understand the molecular mechanisms that control microbial growth in diverse environments, such as infection sites and biotechnological processes. To that end, the Cardona lab builds genomic and synthetic biology tools with a focus on essential genes. We apply these tools to the discovery of antimicrobials, the synthesis and degradation of bioplastics, and pathogen detection. We develop some of these applications in Burkholderia, a group of Gram-negative bacteria that have extraordinary biotechnological potential but also cause opportunistic infections.
Dr. Cardona’s research and teaching interests are interdisciplinary. She is an Ian C. P. Smith Integrated Science Faculty Scholar and has taught SCI200, which combines microbiology, chemistry and mathematics to address the problem of antimicrobial drug resistance.
Courses taught
MBIO 4040 Systems Microbiology
SCI 2000 Overcoming Antibiotic Drug Resistance
MBIO 7040 Module: Navigating Graduate Studies
