Professor Dr. Valeria Culotta

Biography

Val Culotta examines the role of free radicals and micronutrients in the battle between hosts and pathogens in fungal infections. Her research focuses on the role of metal ions, specifically copper, iron, and manganese, in oxidative stress and its effects on human health. The Culotta lab investigates how these metal ions can be both beneficial and toxic, particularly in the context of diseases such as neurodegeneration, cancer, aging, and infections. The lab employs a variety of approaches, including biochemical, cell biology, and molecular genetics, to explore how microbes exploit metal ions and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in host-pathogen interactions. A particular emphasis is placed on the opportunistic fungal pathogen, Candida albicans. Culotta has received numerous accolades for her work, including a MERIT award from the National Institutes of Health and election as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Research Interests

Awards