email: hera_vlamakis@hms.harvard.edu

Bacteria are wonderfully complex organisms that have many behaviors characteristic of multicellular organisms. I am particularly fascinated by how individual bacteria are able to coordinate their behaviors in complex communities (both single-species and multi-species) where they must interact with their neighbors to optimize division of labor and maximize fitness. I am interested in the molecular mechanisms that guide these interactions. As an Instructor in the Kolter lab, I oversee the progress of the ongoing projects, provide mentorship to lab members, and teach.