Biography
Dr. Virginia Glazier joined the Biology department at Niagara University in 2017. She received her Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and subsequently worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Rochester in the Pediatric Infectious Disease division.
Focus of Teaching
The courses taught by Dr. Glazier include
- General Biology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Evolution
- Senior seminar
- Pathophysiology with laboratory
- Parasitology with laboratory
Current Research
Dr. Glazier’s research focuses on two fungal species that cause disease in humans, Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans. Her work centers on understanding the mechanisms that these fungi use to cause infection and damage to the human host. There are several ongoing research projects in her laboratory, a few of which are described below.
- Using a drug repurposing approach to identify how novel antifungal compounds affect the virulence mechanisms of C. albicans and C. neoformans with the goal of identifying new potential treatments for C. albicans and C. neoformans infections.
- Characterizing the interaction between C. neoformans and macrophages (white blood cells), and the interaction between C. albicans and macrophages.
- Studying the transcription factor regulatory networks that control biofilm formation in C. albicans.
- Identifying the enzymes in C. albicans that allow it to degrade keratin in skin and nails.
Current Involvement
Dr. Glazier’s service roles include:
- Pre-health committee member, Niagara University. Feb 2023- Present
- Inclusive Excellence Coordinating Council member, Niagara University. Oct 2021- Present
Rose Bente Lee Ostapenko Center for Ethics in Medicine and Healthcare member, Niagara University. Oct 2020- Present - Biology Club Co-advisor, Niagara University. Jan 2018-Present
- Title IX advisor and hearing board member through the Office of Equity and Inclusion. July 2021- Present
Educational Background
- B.S. Adolescent Education, SUNY Oswego
- B.A. Biology, SUNY Oswego
- Ph.D. Microbiology and Immunology, University at Buffalo