WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty University is proud to announce that Dr. Joseph Horzempa, Professor of Biology and Co-Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, was invited to present his research at the Center for Infectious Disease Research (CIDR) at George Mason University on November 19, 2025.
The conference brought together leading scientists from academia, government, and industry across the Washington, D.C. region to share innovative research on pathogenic microorganisms and explore new opportunities for collaboration. Dr. Horzempa was invited to speak by Dr. Monique van Hoek, Professor of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at George Mason University, and presented groundbreaking findings on a novel antimicrobial compound that targets the deadly bacterium Francisella tularensis.
The research, conducted by students and faculty at West Liberty University, was recently published and has been granted a U.S. patent.
Using a high-throughput screen of more than 3,200 plant, marine, and fungal extracts, Dr. Horzempa’s team identified new antibacterial compounds that work by enhancing immunity or reducing a pathogen’s ability to cause disease. One of their most promising discoveries is dillapiole, a compound isolated from fennel, which was shown to suppress virulence-factor gene expression in F. tularensis—a mechanism that reduces the bacterium’s ability to cause infection.
This approach represents a potential paradigm shift in how bacterial diseases are treated. Unlike traditional antibiotics that target essential bacterial processes (often promoting rapid resistance), virulence-factor inhibitors like dillapiole may reduce the emergence of resistance while effectively suppressing infection.
“Being invited to present our findings to this group of innovators and leaders underscores the importance of the biomedical research being done at West Liberty University,” said Dr. Horzempa. “Additionally, the interactions that I had with the other attendees at this meeting sparked new collaborations, scientific ventures, and future opportunities for our students.”
The conference featured presentations from internationally recognized experts, including:
• Dr. Arturo Casadevall, Professor and Chair, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
• Dr. Jie Sun, Professor of Medicine, University of Virginia
• Dr. Paolo Lusso, Chief, Viral Pathogenesis Section, NIAID – National Institutes of Health
“This is an extraordinary recognition for Dr. Horzempa, our students, and the College of Sciences,” said Dr. Karen Kettler, Dean of the College of Sciences. “It highlights the level of impactful research happening at West Liberty University and the meaningful contributions our faculty and students are making to the broader scientific community.”
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. To apply or learn more about West Liberty University, visit westliberty.edu.
Media Contact:
Rhone Thrash
West Liberty University
rhone.thrash@westliberty.edu
