Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (
) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Joy Dunkers (Fed)
Physical Scientist
Advanced Microscopy of Complex Microbial Communities
This project supports the Microbial Metrology program to advance microbiome community measurements and pathogen detection and identification. It uses advanced optical imaging methods and associated data analysis tools to address shortcomings in the quality, quantity or specificity of information acquired from conventional microbial methods to help answer the following critical questions: Who is there? Where are they? How many are there? What are they doing?
We are developing novel microbial microscopy techniques, software and measurements to advance the following projects:
- Whole Cell Genome Copy Number Validation
- 3D Structure-Function Relationships of Complex Microbial Communities
- Novel Measurements of Microbial Viability
Microbial Inactivation using Germicidal Ultraviolet Radiation
Germicidal ultraviolet (GUV) light, spanning 200 nm to 280 nm, has the potential to rapidly inactivate dangerous microbes. Until there are documentary standards and validated disinfection data, the marketplace is hesitant to make the necessary large capital investments for routine use of GUV in healthcare settings. We are contributing to the development of a documentary standard test method and the underpinning metrology for quantifying microbial inactivation using GUV. Once the method is validated, there will be a clearer path to GUV device acceptance in hospitals and clinics.
Research Opportunities
NIST-NRC Postdoctoral Research Associateship Program: 2-year fellowship at NIST, US citizens only, $74,750 salary plus benefits, travel stipend and relocation expenses. Requires 10 page research proposal plus additional materials. Contact me if interested in writing a microbial research proposal. Application deadlines are Feb. 1 and Aug. 1
Current opportunities available:
- Advanced Methods for Measuring Microbial Viability
- Mapping Reponses in Complex Microbial Systems using Advanced Imaging
- Chemical and Structural Spatial Distribution of Biofilms
Mentoring Experience
Primary or co-advisor for 5 NRC postdocs
Advisor to 2 Montgomery College undergraduate students
Awards and Funding
Material Measurement Laboratory Collaboration and Teamwork Accolade for assisting the Office of Advanced Manufacturing as subject matter experts advising NIIMBL project teams funded through the CARES Act to respond to the pandemic national emergency, 2021
Co-champion of Innovations in Measurement Science Award for Shape Metrology Proposal, 2011-2013
Department of Commerce Gold Medal for Distinguished Achievement in Federal Service for Creating and Implementing Rigorous Testing Protocols and Benchmarks Needed to Ensure the Security and Integrity of the New US ePassport, 2007
Secured Phase I ($75k) and Phase II ($270k) of a Small Business Innovative Research award to develop a high speed dual channel imaging microscope for deep imaging of cells, tissue and tissue engineered constructs using optical coherence microscopy and two photon fluorescence, 2006-2008
Professional Organizations
American Society for Microbiology (National and DC Chapters)