Dr. Doering’s interest is in the fundamental biology and host interactions of the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. Her lab’s goal is to elucidate unique aspects of cryptococcal biology that are of biological interest and may suggest targets for badly needed antifungal chemotherapy. Areas of focus in the Doering lab include how this fungal pathogen interacts with host cells during infection and how its polysaccharide capsule is built, with the aim of understanding and potentially influencing these critical events. These studies increase our basic science knowledge, deepen our understanding of fungal pathogenesis, and enhance the potential for development of new therapeutic agents.