Christopher J. Pappas, Ph.D.

Visiting Assistant Professor

Before joining Manhattanville College, Dr. Pappas conducted research on Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiologic agent of Lyme disease. His research focused specifically on the role glycerol plays in the survival of the bacteria thoughout the enzootic cycle. Dr. Pappas has joined the Manhattanville College community where he has taught students in lectures and laboratories within the disciplines of general biology, parasitology, and nutrition. Outside of the laboratory and classroom, Dr. Pappas is involved in community activities such as judging at annual science fairs, and maintaining a garden plot at the Ossining Organic Community Garden, where he serves as a gardener and master composter. His current research interests at Manhattanville College include vector-borne diseases, emerging infectious diseases, and the nutrient composition and microbiota found within compost.

Publications

• Pappas CJ, Iyer R, Liveris D, Petzke M, Caimano MJ, Radolf JD, Schwartz I. "Borrelia burgdorferi requires glycerol for maximum fitness during the tick phase of the enzootic cycle" PLoS Pathogens 2011 Jul;7(7):e1002102. Epub 2011 Jul 7

• Banik, S, Terekhova D, Iyer R, Pappas CJ, Caimano MJ, Radolf JD, Schwartz I. "BB0844, an RpoS-regulated protein, is dispensable for Borrelia burgdorferi infectivity and maintenance in the mouse-tick infectious cycle." Infection and Immunity. 2011 Mar;79(3):1208-17

• Hanincova K, Ogden NH, Diuk-Wasser M, Pappas CJ, Iyer R, Fish D, Schwartz I, Kurtenbach K. "Fitness variation of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto strains in mice" Applied Environmental Microbiology. 2008 Jan, 74 (1): 153-7

• Foels R, Pappas CJ. "Learning and Unlearning the Myths We are Taught: Gender and Social Dominance Orientation" Sex Roles. Vol. 50, Nos. 11/12, June 2004

Conferences

• Pappas CJ, Bugrysheva JV, Iyer R, Godfrey HP, Schwartz I, Cabello FC. "Glycerol Utilization by Borrelia burgdorferi is Regulated by RelBbu When in a Nutrient Limited Environment." American Society of Microbiology 111th General Meeting. New Orleans, LA, May 21-24, 2011. Abstract No. D-196

• Pappas CJ, Iyer R, Liveris D, Hanincova K, Caimano MJ, Radolf JD, Schwartz I., "Borrelia burgdorferi Glycerol-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (GlpA) is Important for Spirochete Maintenance in the Tick" American Society of Microbiology 110th General Meeting. San Diego, CA, May 23-27, 2010. Abstract No. D-658.

• Banik S, Terekhova D, Iyer, R, Pappas CJ, Schwartz I., "Bb0844, an RpoS Regulated Gene, is Dispensable for Borrelia burgdorferi Pathogenicity and Maintenance in the Mouse-Tick Infectious Cycle" American Society of Microbiology 110th General Meeting. San Diego, CA, May 23-27, 2010. Abstract No. D-664

• Invited Participant, Gordon Research Conference: Biology of Spirochetes. Ventura, CA, January 31-February 5, 2010

Invited Talks

• "Ticks, Antifreeze, and Lyme Disease: The Role of Glycerol in the B. burgdorferi Enzootic Cycle." Keynote Address. Manhattanville College's 21st Annual High School Science Fair Competition (MASC). April 16, 2011