Novel roles of staphylococcal proteases and cross talk in biofilm formation and virulence

Abstract

who has given me wonderful opportunities and resources. Thank you for guiding me to reach my potential as a scientist and for believing in me as I worked through the ups and downs of graduate school. To my committee, thank you for your advice throughout this process. I have learned from each of you not only from your insightful suggestions, but also from your examples as successful scientists. Your input has greatly improved the quality of this research. Despite geographical distance from my family, I have never felt alone, thanks to their tremendous generosity and love. Mom, thank you for taking care of me in every way from pep talks over the phone to sending dinner to my door on busy nights. Dad, I feel honored to follow in your footsteps as Dr. Paharik. Thank you for being the best longdistance problem solver, for everything from graduate school worries to car trouble. I am immensely thankful for everything you both do for me, which is surely more than I deserve. My labmates have taught me so much and been wonderful friends. I don't think I've ever had a more fun vacation than the "lab bonding" trip to Colorado with Caralyn and Jen. Thank you both for bringing out my adventurous side. Joe, thank you for teaching me the facts about protease substrates and flow cells. Jessica, thank you for being a great office mate, coffee buddy, and fearless comrade in biofilm studies. Shondra, thank you for leaving me encouraging notes and keeping peach rings on hand to share. Heidi, thank you for greatly improving my cloning skills and always being willing to lend a thoughtful v perspective on science and life. Jeff, thank you for always keeping my favorite gum in stock and never tiring of explaining things, even though I may never truly grasp the intricacies of enzyme kinetics. To my friends outside of lab-thank you for bringing so much fun and support to my life.