Dr. Robert Shields

Assistant Professor of Microbiology

Education

• PhD: Microbiology, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom (2014)
• BS: Marine Biology, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom (2009)

Professional Credentials

• 2021-Present - Assistant Professor, Dept. of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR
• 2017-2021 - Research Assistant Professor, Dept. of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
• 2014-2017 - Postdoctoral Research Associate, Dept. of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL  

Research Interests

The long-term goal of the Shields lab is to understand how Streptococcus mutans causes tooth decay. This includes addressing which genes are essential for pathogenesis, and what is the role of other bacteria in promoting or reducing S. mutans colonization. We use systems and synthetic biology techniques to address these problems. Techniques that we use include, next generation sequencing, electron microscopy, forward genetics (transposon sequencing), CRISPR technologies and fluorescence microscopy. Understanding the biology of S. mutans will allow us to develop new treatment modalities, both against S. mutans and other streptococcal pathogens. Other infections and diseases caused by streptococci include pneumoniae, meningitis, and strep throat.