Dr. Mamie T. Coats obtained her B.S. degree in Biochemistry from Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana. She obtained a Ph.D. in Microbiology for the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama. She remained at UAB for her post-doctoral studies.
Dr. Coats’ research focuses on pneumococcal biofilms and animal models of pneumococcal disease relevant to children.
Streptococcus pneumoniae remains a major causative agent of community-acquired pneumonia, bacterial meningitis, otitis media and bacteremia worldwide. Children are especially susceptible to pneumococcal infection. While there are pneumococcal vaccines available, the diversity and adaptability of the organism necessitates continued research into its pathogenesis. Our lab focuses on how the presence of biofilms affects the progression of disease and the factors involved in biofilm development. Of particular interest is the role of biofilms in cystic fibrosis and otitis media.
