We are studying the dynamic interactions between immune cells, epithelial cells, and microbes in barrier tissues that interface with the environment. Drawing from the fields of immunology, microbiology and stem cell biology we use an interdisciplinary approach to mechanistically understand the factors that dictate barrier tissue fitness and function. By leveraging the abundant clinical resources of the NYU medical center, we are uniquely able to translate our bench side findings to gain a better understanding of human immunity and its role in health and disease.