Deanna M. Schmitt, PhD

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate/Assistant Professor of Biology

Why did you choose the University of Pittsburgh?

I choose the University of Pittsburgh because of the collaborative environment and the flexibility of the interdisciplinary program.  As an incoming graduate student, I was interested in conducting my thesis research in a laboratory that focused on host-pathogen interactions and had projects involving both microbiology and immunology.  I found that a number of laboratories at the University of Pittsburgh offered this opportunity and have really enjoyed my time here both professionally and socially.

Following her graduation from the University of Pittsburgh, Deanna went to West Liberty University to take a position as a Postdoctoral Research Associate as well as an Assistant Professor of Biology.

Education & Training

  • PhD in Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 2012
  • BS in Microbiology, Pennsylvania State University, 2005

Publications

Schmitt DM, O'Dee DM, Horzempa J, Carlson PE Jr, Russo BC, Bales JM, Brown MJ and Nau GJ. 2012. A Francisella tularensis Live Vaccine Strain That Improves Stimulation of Antigen-Presenting Cells Does Not Enhance Vaccine Efficacy. PLoS One. 7: e31172 |  View abstract

Russo BC, Horzempa J, O'Dee DM, Schmitt DM, Brown MJ, Carlson PE Jr, Xavier RJ and Nau GJ. 2011. A Francisella tularensis locus required for spermine responsiveness is necessary for virulence. Infect Immun. 79: 3665-3676. |  View abstract

Characterization and application of a glucose-repressible promoter in Francisella tularensis. Appl Environ Microbiol. 74: 2161-2170. |  View abstract