Our Mission
The Translational Microbiome & Immune Tolerance Laboratory, based at the Center for Advanced Microbiome Research and Innovation (CAMRI) and the Institute for Genome Sciences (IGS), and the Department of Microbiology and Immunology (MMI) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, investigates how the gut microbiome and diet shape immune system development and function, and how these interactions influence immune-mediated diseases throughout life, including food allergy, asthma, HIV, and alpha-gal syndrome.
By integrating human clinical cohorts and trials with multi-omics, computational biology, gnotobiotic models, organoid systems, and experimental immunology, we uncover the microbial and molecular mechanisms that drive health and disease. Our goal is to translate these discoveries into new strategies for predicting, preventing, and treating immune-mediated disorders through microbiome-based precision medicine.
For trainees and researchers, the Özçam Lab offers hands on experience in microbiome science, immunology, multi-omics data analysis with machine learning, and translational research that has the potential to inform prevention and therapy. We are committed to building a collaborative, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating environment where curiosity drives discovery and science has a direct impact on children’s health.
Please check our recent publications and open positions.