Profile

• Organization

  Manhattanville College

  
  
• Website

  https://annex.mville.edu/profile/christopher-pappas

  
  
• Telephone

  9143231276

  
  
• ORCID

  0000-0001-8606-0749

  
  
• Reason

  Keeping current in subject matter

  
  
• Interests

  1. borrelia
  2. leptospira
  3. molecular biology
  4. spirochete
  5. Vectors

  
  
• Address

  address1:	2900 Purchase St.
  city:	Purchase
  postal:	10577
  region:	NY
  country:	US

  
  
• Biography

  I have been working in spirochete related research for more than ten years, and have focused specifically on Leptospira since 2013. I have received previous federal funding from the National Science Foundation focused on Leptospira research as a fellow to design novel genetic manipulation tools as well as increase our understanding of the biology of Leptospira. In addition, I was first author on publications from the research group that first published the pMaORI E. coli-Leptospira shuttle vector as well as utilization of the expression modification system ‘TALE’ in pathogenic and saprophytic Leptospira, and as such have the technical expertise of genetic modification techniques and Leptospira transformation and growth conditions that will be required for the success of this project. Further, my diverse background in spirochete based research has been focused on how this Phylum of bacteria adapt to and survive outside of the host environment. Two relevant examples of this include my first author publication on how Borrelia burgdorferi utilizes glycerol to increase its viability in the tick midgut, as well as my recent co-first authorship on how Leptospira interrogans utilizes the epbA-rpoN pathway to increase survival in the environment, which included the use of mineral water as an ex vivo survival assay.
  
  In addition to my technical and spirochete focused research background, I have extensive experience working with undergraduates and other students on innovative research projects. While I have recently focused on engaging students in my Leptospira based research program with success, I previously involved students in other research interests, such as the development of a novel ex vivo bioassay to distinguish the repellency capability of different chemicals to the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus. My success as a co-mentor to these students led to a peer reviewed manuscript where three of my previous undergraduate students were listed as first- and co-authors, and myself listed last as the PI and corresponding author. Similarly, my current Leptospira research students have begun the process of presenting their research at local intercollegiate science conferences, such as the Westchester Undergraduate Research Conference. In addition, I am similarly motivated to assist the development of young investigators and Ph.D. students through activities such as mentoring high school science projects in my laboratory space, judging at local high school science fairs, and serving on career panels at research conferences, among others. Together, these experiences have prepared me to mentor undergraduates on the process of science by using my Leptospira research program to increase their technical skills, their scientific reasoning and communication skills, and their scientific knowledge within the field while simultaneously encouraging them to pursue a STEM based career.
  
  Finally, I have been able to surround myself in a scientific environment where I have ready access to external colleagues that are experts within the field of Leptospira and who are willing to share ideas and platforms to complement my research program. As such, I receive continuous feedback on my data and the approaches I take within my lab group.

  
  
• Receive Email Updates

  Yes, send me emails