Robert C Shields,
Assistant Professor
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About Robert C Shields
Dr. Shields earned his PhD in Microbiology at Newcastle University (United Kingdom) in Nick Jakubovics lab, where he worked on extracellular DNA in microbial biofilms, and potential control of biofilms with eDNA-degrading enzymes. In August 2014 he moved to the USA where he worked in the lab of Bob Burne (University of Florida) on cell-cell communication and regulation of gene expression in Streptococcus mutans. He was hired as a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Oral Biology at UF in July 2017 and moved to Arkansas State to start his own lab in August 2021. After four successful years at Arkansas State, he moved back to the University of Florida where his lab investigates the physiology and genetics of Streptococcus mutans.
Accomplishments
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New Investigator of the Year Award
Arkansas Biosciences Institute
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Peggy Cotter Award
American Society for Microbiology
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Charles C. Randall Lectureship Award
American Society for Microbiology South Central Branch
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Colgate Award for Research Excellence
Colgate-Palmolive
Research Profile
The Shields Lab in the Department of Oral Biology at the UF College of Dentistry investigates Streptococcus mutans physiology using functional genomics techniques (Tn-seq, CRISPRi, etc). Streptococcus mutans infections are a significant problem in dental health, as they help cause tooth decay.
0000-0002-8823-9504
Areas of Interest
- Bacterial genetics
- Bacterial pathogenesis
- Biofilm
- Streptococcus
Publications
Academic Articles
Grants
-
Mechanisms of Integrative and Conjugative Elements in Oral Bacteria
Active
- Role:
- Principal Investigator
- Funding:
- NATL INST OF HLTH NIDCR
-
Exploring Integrative Conjugative Elements in the Biology and Ecology of Oral Streptococci
- Role:
- Principal Investigator
- Funding:
- NATL INST OF HLTH NIDCR
-
Assessing the impact of Agr quorum sensing on Staphylococcus aureus physiology in the space flight environment
Active
- Role:
- Project Manager
- Funding:
- NASA KENNEDY SPACE CTR
-
Development of new anti-caries therapeutics using a CRISPR interference platform
- Role:
- Principal Investigator
- Funding:
- COLGATE-PALMOLIVE CO
Education
-
Ph.D.
Newcastle University (United Kingdom)
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B.S. Marine Biology
Newcastle University (United Kingdom)
Contact Details
- Business:
- (352) 273-7520
- Business:
- robert.shields@ufl.edu
- Business Mailing:
-
P.O. Box 100424
College of Dentistry, Oral Biology
Gainesville AR 32611 - Business Street:
-
1395 CENTER DR
GAINESVILLE FL 32611