The ability of bacteria to adapt and share information has rapidly led to the rise of antibiotic resistance for almost all human pathogens. For example, Staphylococcus aureus and Moraxella catarrhalis  are common human pathogens that infect multiple body systems and are becoming resistant to classical first line drugs. Our lab focuses on discovering new ways to treat common pathogens that cause infections in the lungs and middle ears of millions of people each year. We are using microbial interactions to identify new compounds that are produced by common co-infectors that have anti-staphylococcal activity. We are also studying, along with audiologists and bioengineers, how new non-drug therapies can be exploited to combat these pathogens.