Previous research in the Isberg lab demonstrated that Yersinia pseudotuberculosis microcolonies in deep tissue sites consist of specialized populations of bacteria that protect against host attack. I am working to determine if this community behavior is a result of biofilm formation. Utilizing an in vitro model of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis microcolonies, I am also working to identify host genes that are responsible for altering growth of the microcolonies.