Assistant Professor of Biomedical Science

Education

Postdoctoral Fellow  Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute.

Ph D Medical Sciences Texas A&M University College of Medicine.

BS Medical Microbiology and Immunology University of Wisconsin–Madison.

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