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Robert Shields

Assistant Professor University of Florida

  • Gainesville FL

Robert Shields researches the genetics and physiology of oral streptococci, focusing on the dental caries pathogen Streptococcus mutans.

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Biography

Robert Shields' research program integrates advanced molecular genetics and functional genomics to investigate the survival mechanisms of Streptococcus mutans within oral biofilms. Specifically, his work focuses on deciphering how this pathogen senses and responds to environmental stresses through signaling networks and post-translational modifications. His current projects include developing AI-integrated genomic tools for bacterial genome updates and exploring the role of mobile genetic elements in bacterial competition and pathogenesis. His laboratory is dedicated to translating fundamental microbiological insights into novel therapeutic strategies for oral and systemic health.

Areas of Expertise

Bacterial Physiology
Oral Biology
Dental Caries
Oral Microbiome
Streptococcus mutans
Molecular Microbiology

Media Appearances

‘This is as important as your teeth’: are you skipping this key part of mouth hygiene?

The Guardian  online

2026-04-10

It’s drilled into us from a young age: brush your teeth twice a day. But when it comes to oral health, experts say we’re leaving out something important.

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Health concerns with floodwater

K8 News  online

2025-04-09

The widespread flooding across Region 8 could leave some unwanted guests behind. As water recedes, snakes like these could slither into yards, but as Associate Professor of Physiology Lori Neuman-Lee explains, animals are just trying to survive the floodwaters themselves. She said if you try to move them, beware.

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Multiple grants help further research on pathogen

K8 News  online

2024-12-06

Two different grants were recently awarded to Arkansas State University to continue research on Streptococcus mutans.

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