Melanie Coombs

Background

About Melanie Coombs

Currently, I am an associate professor at Acadia University teaching courses in Microbiology and Immunology. I study effects of anti-microbial peptides and phytochemicals on cancer as well as understanding the role of iron in cancer. Previously, I completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Dalhousie University in the Pathology department studying the role of mast cell mediators in modulating the adenosinergic pathway of regulatory T cells. My first post-doctoral training was in the division of Infectious Diseases at Children’s Hospital Boston/Harvard Medical School where I examined the effects of adenosine on modulating neonatal TLR-mediated cytokine responses in newborns. During my PhD training at Dalhousie University, I examined the roles of TLR signaling pathways in host defense to P. aeruginosa lung infection in vivo. These experiences have provided me with experience in understanding the innate and adaptive immune responses as well as a fundamental understanding of general microbiology and host responses to infections. My goal is to become an independent Microbiology/Immunology researcher.