Carisa Davis , Ph.D.
My research interests are in molecular microbiology, foodborne illness and biodefense, and I have experience working in phylogenetics, quantitative genetics and biodefense research. While working in a biodefense research laboratory, I was involved in the development of rapid detection methods (real time PCR) and using molecular typing (ribotyping and pulsed field gel electrophoresis) for foodborne outbreaks. These methods are useful in foodborne outbreak and bioterrorism investigations because there is a need to identify pathogens and track them quickly. I am also interested in the differences in the pandemic and non-pandemic strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. These are areas of research that I have continued while at Kean. My students have researched the use of newer molecular methods (loop-amplified isothermal amplification) for detecting bacteria in food, historical diseases and bacterial transmission in bathrooms.
Selected Publications
Atienza, K., D. Ludizaca, and C. Davis. 2021. Transmission of Escherichia coli Through Toilet Seats. Kean Quest: Vol. 3 : Iss. 2 , Article 2.
Veguilla, W., K. K. Peak, V. A. Luna, J. C. Roberts, C. R. Davis, A. Cannons, P. Amuso, and J. Cattani. 2008. Two Year Study Evaluating the Potential Loss of mecA in a MRSA Culture Collection. J. Clin. Microbiol. 46: 3494-3497.
Davis, C.R., D.L. Wingfield, K.K. Peak, W. Veguilla, P.T. Amuso, A.C. Cannons, and J. Cattani. 2007. Molecular Characterization of Vibrio parahaemolyticus Strains Associated with Food Borne Illness in Florida. J Food Prot. 70: 2396 – 2401.
Scott, K. S. Sievert, F. Abril, L. Ball, C. Barrett, R. Blake, A. Boller, P. Chain, J. Clark, C. Davis, C. Detter, K. Do, K. Dobrinski, B. Faza, K. Fitzpatrick, S. Freyermuth, T. Harmer, L. Hauser, M. Hügler, C. Kerfeld, M. Klotz, W. Kong, M. Land, A. Lapidus, F. Larimer, D. Longo, S. Lucas, S. Malfatti, S. Massey, D. Martin, Z. McCuddin, F. Meyer, J. Moore, L. Ocampo Jr., J. Paul, I. Paulsen, D. Reep, Q. Ren, R. Ross, P. Sato, P. Thomas, L. Tinkham, and G. Zeruth. 2006. The Genome of Deep-Sea Vent Chemolithoautotroph Thiomicrospira crunogena XCL-2. PLoS Biology. 4: 2196 – 2212.
Davis, C. R., L. C. Heller, K. K. Peak, D. L. Wingfield, C. L. Goldstein-Hart, D. W. Bodager, A. C. Cannons, P. T. Amuso, J. Cattani. 2004. Real time PCR detection of the thermostable direct hemolysin and thermolabile hemolysin genes in a Vibrio parahaemolyticus cultured from mussels and mussel homogenate associated with a foodborne outbreak. J Food Prot. 67:1005-1008.