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The Jennings Lab

Mechanisms of microbial

heterogeneity and survival

     We investigate how bacteria use epigenetic regulation and biofilm matrix production to survive stress and adapt to changing environments. Our research focuses on two key areas: 1) Random epigenetic switches that generate phenotypic heterogeneity in clonal populations, and 2) Biofilm polysaccharides that drive aggregation and promote drug tolerance. By uncovering the mechanisms behind these regulatory and communal strategies, we aim to define fundamental principles that govern population resilience and cell fate.

Laura K. Jennings, PhD (she/her) is an Assistant Professor

in the Dept. of Microbiology & Cell Biology at Montana State University

and a Faculty Affiliate of the Center for Biofilm Engineering.

P. aeruginosa aggregate producing Pel in CF sputum
CF lungs watercolor
Localization of Pel (red) in P. aeruginosa biofilms
Storm over Montana Hall
CF lung
The Bridger Mountains
Pel & Psl are produced in CF airways
small colony variants
Yellowstone
Immunohistochemistry of polysaccharides in sputum
Pyocin
Montana Hall
Immunohistochemistry of sputum
Laura Jennings
DNA gel
Plaques
Microscopy
Biofilm that overproduces Pel polysaccharide

My Story

Montana State University

Current Position:

  • Assistant Professor, Microbiology & Cell Biology, Montana State University

  • Faculty Affiliate, Center for Biofilm Engineering

Courses Taught:

BIOM 494 Microbiology Senior Capstone

BIOM 410 Microbial Genetics (UM)

Education/Experience:

  • Research Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences, University of Montana

  • Postdoctoral Fellow, Microbiology, University of Washington

  • PhD in Civil & Environmental Engineering, Cornell University

  • BS in Chemical & Biological Engineering, Montana State University

Center for Biofilm Engineering

Research

Small colony variants from murine lung infection

How bacteria randomly switch phenotypes to cheat death and antibiotics.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm overexpression the Pel polysaccharide.

Influence of bacterial polysaccharides on therapeutic outcomes.

A P. aeruginosa vaccine could help prevent airway infections in people with cystic fibrosis.

Optimization of a polysaccharide vaccine to prevent or treat bacterial infections. 

Montana State University campus
MSU bobcats

Let's Connect

The Jennings Lab 

Microbiology & Cell Biology

Montana State University

109 Lewis Hall

Bozeman, MT 59717

406-994-2649 (office)

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