PhD in Microbiology from Oklahoma State University, worked as Graduate Teaching Assistant , Graduate Research Assistant, and Faculty Lecturer, Department of Microbiology, Oklahoma State University Postdoctoral Research Associate in Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Maryland at Baltimore Research Associate in Inherited Disease Unit of the Center for Molecular Medicine, Oklahoma College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University. Biological Safety Officer, Office of Vice President for Research, Mississippi State University Adjunct Professor of Veterinary Medical Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University Visiting Scientist, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Center for Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University Visiting Associate Professor, Associate Professor of Microbiology (2007–present), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Center for Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University Adjunct Associate Professor of Forensic Microbiology, Department of Forensic Sciences, Center for Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University Professor Emeritus of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University.

Bacterial pathogenesis research in my laboratory has consistently focused on the cell envelope physiology of gram-negative bacteria representing both animal and human pathogens. It has featured investigations of the involvement of membrane lipid and lipopolysaccharide composition in cell envelope permeability to lipophilic antibiotics and antiseptics, the process of acquisition of adaptive resistance to antibiotics, the molecular genetic basis of capsulation and its effect on outer surface function, cell surface lipoprotein content, and the properties of cell surface hydrophobicity and charge. Particular emphasis has been directed toward Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia multivorans, and members of the family Pasteurellaceae pathogenic in humans and animals of agricultural importance.