We design new chemical tools to decode and interfere with quorum sensing, a type of bacterial communication.
The mission of the Blackwell lab is to (1) design and use chemical tools to interrogate the mechanisms of bacterial QS and modulate bacterial behavior in biological systems relevant to human health, (2) develop creative and engaged scientists capable of solving interdisciplinary research problems, and (3) share our knowledge and passion about QS with others. We strive to foster a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
For more on Helen’s thoughts on quorum sensing and our lab’s work, check out this article from UW-Madison’s College of Letters and Science’s magazine.
For a perspective on our lab’s influence on the field of quorum sensing, take a look at this article in Frontiers in Microbiology.