Postdoctoral Fellow - Ophthalmology, Microbiology, and Immunobiology
Harvard Medical School - 2012

Ph.D. - Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
University of Texas at Austin - 2008

B.S. - Microbiology
University of Oklahoma - 2003

Efficacy of plasmid-encoded CRISPR-Cas antimicrobial is affected by competitive factors found in wild Enterococcus faecalis isolates 2022 - Other

Identification of a novel cationic glycolipid in Streptococcus agalactiae that contributes to brain entry and meningitis 2022 - Journal Article

Genetically distant bacteriophages elicit unique genomic changes in Enterococcus faecalis 2021 - Other

The Integrity of Heme Is Essential for Reproducible Detection of Metronidazole-Resistant Clostridioides difficile by Agar Dilution Susceptibility Tests 2021 - Journal Article

CRISPR-based antimicrobials to obstruct antibiotic-resistant and pathogenic bacteria 2021 - Journal Article

Streptococcus pneumoniae, S. pyogenes and S. agalactiae membrane phospholipid remodelling in response to human serum 2021 - Journal Article

ddcP, pstB, and excess D-lactate impact synergism between vancomycin and chlorhexidine against Enterococcus faecium 1,231,410 2021 - Journal Article

Streptococcus pneumoniae, S. mitis, and S. oralis Produce a Phosphatidylglycerol-Dependent, ltaS -Independent Glycerophosphate-Linked Glycolipid 2021 - Journal Article

Characterization of presumptive vancomycin-resistant enterococci recovered during infection control surveillance in Dallas, Texas, USA 2021 - Journal Article

Molecular characterization of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium isolates collected from the Dallas, Texas area 2021 - Other

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Outstanding NS&M Teacher Award - [2017]

Microbiologist Aims to Thwart Antibiotic Resistance

Dr. Kelli Palmer is running her own laboratory as an assistant professor of molecular and cell biology at The University of Texas at Dallas. Her work focuses on a better understanding of how bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics. One approach she is taking involves sequencing entire genomes of different bacterial species to identify and characterize genetic mutations that lead to antibiotic resistance. She also is investigating the role genetic material called plasmids and transposons play in conferring resistance. These tiny bits of DNA often encode antibiotic resistance genes, and they can be transferred from bacteria that are drug-resistant to bacteria that are not. Understanding this process might lead to more effective ways to curtail the spread of antibiotic resistance, Palmer said.

Biologist Investigates How Gene-Swapping Bacteria Evade Antibiotics

A scientific peek into bacteria boudoirs is revealing how “sex” among disease-causing microbes can lead different species or strains to become resistant to antibiotic medications.

Dr. Kelli Palmer, assistant professor of biological sciences at The University of Texas at Dallas, is conducting research aimed at understanding the underlying mechanisms by which bacteria acquire antibiotic resistance genes from one another.

NIH Funds Dr. Palmer’s $2.4 Million Project

Dr. Kelli Palmer received $2,467,449 from the National Institute of Health (NIH) for her research on Adaptive Alterations of Lipids in Mitis Group Streptococci. Streptococcus mitis is typically found in the human mouth and causes infections in the bloodstream and heart valve. Dr. Palmer’s research will test her theory that the ability of Streptococcus mitis to drastically alter lipid compositions in the cellular envelope is critical for its habitat flexibility in the host and its survival in response to antimicrobial stress.