I am a molecular microbiologist with more than 20 years’ experience in streptococcal genetics and bacteria-host interaction research, with particular emphasis on the molecular mechanisms of Streptococcus colonisation, pathogenesis and polymicrobial community (biofilm) development. I am Lead for the Oral Microbiology research group and Director of Research for Bristol Dental School. Using a variety of molecular biology- and biochemical-based tools, my research team has identified adhesins of oral and pathogenic Streptococcus bacteria that mediate interactions with host epithelial and endothelial tissues, with extracellular matrix components and blood platelets, and that promote polymicrobial associations with other bacteria or the fungus Candida albicans. These studies have included the application of structure-function analyses for the fine molecular dissection of the adhesin-receptor interactions involved. Alongside physical interactions, we also investigate the role of chemical/signaling networks in host-microbe and microbe-microbe engagement, and the downstream effects of these pathways in regulating gene and protein expression. More recently, I have extended my research to include a strong interdisciplinary portfolio focused on anti-infective biomaterials for use in medical devices. The culmination of these activities has been the establishment of a successful, independent research program that delivers research at the interface of bacteriology, cell biology and structural biology, as evidenced by my track record of 70 publications.