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Portrait of Troy Skwor

Troy Skwor, PhD

  • Associate Professor, Biomedical Sciences

Education

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Speaker Topics

  • Antibiotic Resistance
  • Photodynamic Inactivation
  • Aeromonas

Interests & Expertise

Troy Skwor’s research focuses on antibiotic resistance within different bacterial populations, especially within Aeromonas species. These bacteria are found ubiquitously in nature, especially in freshwater ecosystems. However, they have been associated with a wide array of human diseases ranging from diarrhea to wound infections to more severe forms of disease, including necrotizing fasciitis. Besides being ubiquitous in nature, the rapid acquisition of antibiotic resistance against a broad array of antibiotics can present a clinical challenge. Additionally, it can serve as a vehicle to transfer antibiotic resistance genes to other pathogenic bacteria. Due to the bacterial presence in aquatic ecosystems, various foods, wastewater, and humans, his research uses Aeromonas as an indicator species to further understand the driving forces behind antimicrobial resistance. 

Another aspect of his research is studying alternative treatments against bacterial populations with an emphasis on photodynamic inactivation. This type of therapy uses a chemical, known as photosensitizer, in the presence of different wavelengths of visible light and oxygen, to produce reactive oxygen species capable of killing bacteria, including multi-drug resistant strains.  

He has a strong interest in mentoring students and helping them develop their critical thinking skills.  

Selected Publications

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Presentations

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Recent Funded Grants

DoD SBIR Award: Improved Technology to Treat Drug-Resistant Bacterial Infections, 2022 (Phase I: $52,000) 

Clinical & Translational Science Institute Biostatistical Consulting mini-grant, 2022   

Illinois Association of Wastewater Agencies (IAWA) Water Quality Sub Committee grant, 2013
“Determining prevalence of antibiotic resistance among potentially pathogenic strains of bacteria from influent and effluent of wastewater treatment plant compared to receiving aquatic reservoir”, $8,000

Professional Memberships

  • American Society of Microbiology
  • International Photodynamic Association
  • Sigma Xi: The Scientific Research Honor Society