Artificial Intelligence and Informatics
The division leads research in artificial intelligence and informatics, including the use of general artificial intelligence to perform surveillance for healthcare-associated infections and avian influenza, large language models to evaluate clinical notes and regulatory issues related to clinical AI oversight. The group also leverages large real-world medical claims and billing datasets for risk-adjustment, use patterns of antibiotics, and the effects of COVID-19. The group has also utilized UMMS clinical data to answer clinically important questions related to healthcare-associated infections and transmission.
Vaginal Microbiome
Division faculty conducts research on the vaginal microbiome and its key role in protecting women from urogenital infections. A healthy, Lactobacillus-dominated microbiome provides natural defense by producing lactic acid, which maintains a low vaginal pH, inhibits pathogens, and influences immune responses. Dr. Brotman’s team investigates modifiable factors that shape vaginal microbial communities throughout the lifespan and how the cervicovaginal microenvironment affects infection susceptibility and natural resolution. The goal of this work is to develop microbiome-based strategies to enhance natural defenses, prevent infections, decrease persistence, and improve women’s health.
Traumatic Brain Injury in Older Adults
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common fall related injury among older adults, yet little is known about recovery from TBI in this population. This NIA funded prospective cohort study with projected enrollment of 250 is one of only two prospective studies to examine recovery following TBI among older adults. We assess cognition, sleep, physical and psychological function at four study visits over the course of one year following TBI. Identification of unique trajectories of recovery from TBI across multiple domains of function and factors associated with recovery in this population will inform development of targeted treatment efforts.
Preventing the Spread of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
SPARC
Since 2018, Dr. Leekha has led the Maryland Statewide Prevention and Reduction Collaborative (SPARC) - a statewide quality improvement project in partnership with Johns Hopkins Medicine providing subject matter expertise to the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) to address the evolving needs of Maryland hospitals related to infection prevention and antibiotic stewardship.
CDC Prevention Epicenters
The GECO division houses one of 11 CDC Prevention Epicenters nationwide. Since 1997, the Epicenters program has been an innovative research program working to improve healthcare quality and patient safety. The University of Maryland Baltimore Epicenter researches new strategies to prevent healthcare‑associated infections, antimicrobial resistance, and other adverse events.
Long-term care
Nursing homes and long‑term acute care hospitals house residents with high rates of antibiotic‑resistant bacteria, creating substantial risk for transmission. Residents requiring chronic mechanical ventilation are at particularly high risk. Healthcare personnel are key transient vectors, as hands and clothing become contaminated during care. Prior work identified high‑risk care activities and showed that targeted gown and glove use reduced MRSA acquisition by over 50%, informing CDC enhanced barrier precautions. Dr. Roghmann has an ongoing R21 funded study to compare ARB transmission during care of colonized ventilated and non‑ventilated residents.
Disease Ontology (DO) Nosology Program
The Nosology training program is coordinated by the Human Disease Ontology (DO) Knowledge base project, hosted at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Institute for Genome Sciences. The Nosology training program will utilize the Human Disease Ontology as a resource for structuring the review and highlighting the complexity of disease nosology.