Our research focuses on the impact of the environment on bacterial growth and physiology. Nutrient-dependent increases in cell size are a primary area of interest. We are also working with the Pappu group to illuminate the mechanisms controlling assembly of the cell division protein, FtsZ. We have recently begun to investigate the environmental and physiological factors that allow bacteria to withstand high concentrations of antibiotics. These factors include the widely used antimicrobial, triclosan, and even modest changes in pH.