Multiscale biophysical characterization of the Campylobacter flagellar system

This project is examining the biological systems of Campylobacter bacteria (a widespread bacterium that is the most common cause of foodborne enteritis), specifically those that are used to power motion through the mucosal barriers and intestinal systems of host organisms, to understand their ability to cause infection. The project will catalogue the biomechanics of Campylobacter flagellar systems, examine how those systems coordinate across the poles of the bacterium, and investigate how those flagella allow for chemotaxis (chemically motivated travel) in structured environments. This will further serve to establish the bacterium as a model organism with implications for the study of other flagellated bacteria’s motility.

Supporting mechanism: UChicago-CNRS PhD Joint Programme

Active dates: July 1, 2025-June 30, 2027