Dr. Phillip Tarr is currently the Melvin E. Carnahan Professor of Pediatrics, and Director of the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition at Washington University School of Medicine and co-directs the Pediatrics Pathobiology Research Unit, and is a Professor of Molecular Microbiology. Dr. Tarr has had an abiding interest in many different aspects of enteric infections, with a focus on pediatrics. His chief contributions have been in the field of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli, especially E. coli O157:H7. His work has helped delineate the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and medical management of illnesses caused by this pathogen. He has long advocated the role of accurate and thorough enteric diagnostics as a mainstay of clinical care.

What opportunities do you see for interdisciplinary collaboration on public health initiatives in the future?

"I would like to collaborate on the application of diagnostic technology in the most cost-effective, broad based manners worldwide. I also have an interest in the integration of clinical medicine, engineering, and population based disciplines in the diagnosis, treatment, and most importantly the prevention of enteric illnesses worldwide."