Northwell Health Cancer Institute at Rego Park a Program of LIJ

We investigate the influence of biofilm growth on the mechanisms of pathogenesis, persistence and drug tolerance in mycobacterial pathogens, with particular emphasis on Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

We focus on simplifying and automating published low-volume newborn screening tests in order to transform them into high-volume assays.

We study human exposure to toxic metals/metalloids (biomonitoring) and long-lived nuclides (radiobioassay); and develop novel speciation methods by coupling LC and GC to ICP-MS, while using portable XRF for field-based studies.

We study the molecular mechanisms by which multiple DNA polymerases replicate bacterial genomes completely, with high accuracy and tolerance for DNA damage, yet also create mutations that give rise to antibiotic resistance.

Dr. Styer’s research interests include the development of new molecular diagnostic tests for the detection, quantification, or characterization of bloodborne viruses and the evaluation of FDA approved diagnostic tests and diagnostic testing algorithms.

We study copy number variants (CNVs), which are widespread in the human genome and alter dosage of genes important in conditions ranging from HIV susceptibility to autism spectrum disorders. We seek to compile a catalog of CNVs and their frequencies.

Screening has uncovered individuals whose sweat chloride values are above normal, but no other CF symptoms are identified. Our aim is to determine if other variants in the CFTR gene, or modifier genes, correlate with these abnormal levels.

We develop analytical methods to identify unknown chemicals in foods and environmental samples including toxic compounds and chemical terrorism agents, thus providing national surveillance of the food supply.

We study gene regulation in bacteria, with a focus on genome-scale approaches. We are interested in regulation of transcription, the function of non-coding RNAs, and leaderless translation initiation.