Jean Kim

Dr. Jean Kim designs and conducts experiments investigating mammalian host and bacterial interactions, bacterial biofilms, and bioaerosol research. She has experience in molecular- and cell-culture methods studying mammalian host signaling molecules and their effects on bacterial growth.

Working with our Air Quality and Exposure team, she currently leads a project that seeks to determine whether the Zika virus can be transmitted through the air via coughing or sneezing. Dr. Kim has also conducted research into determining both cytotoxic and immunologic effects of fungal spores on mammalian macrophages and in assessing the biofilms of Streptococcus mutans on various surfaces with 3-D topographical observation using the state-of-the-art Zeiss microscope. She has also provided molecular capability for bioaerosol work with the addition of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for determining total viral aerosol count.

Dr. Kim’s background is in prokaryotic molecular genetics, with thesis work investigating the regulation and characterization of a two-component regulator system of Psuedomonas aeruginosa, for which she developed both genetic and biochemical techniques. Her previous work has centered on conducting extensive research in the areas of microbiology and immunology at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center.