Professor, Long Island University, United States
Professor Dong H. Kwon is a distinguished academic and research scientist in the field of microbiology and biochemistry, currently serving as a Full Professor at the Department of Natural and Life Sciences at Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York. His academic and professional journey spans over four decades, with influential contributions to the study of antibiotic resistance, microbial genetics, and infectious diseases. Professor Kwon’s pioneering research has earned international acclaim, with a dedicated focus on mechanisms of drug resistance in Helicobacter pylori and other bacterial pathogens. He has served in various academic and leadership capacities across prestigious institutions in South Korea and the United States, and continues to shape the scientific community through research, teaching, and service.
Profile
Scholar
Education 🎓
Professor Kwon earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Biology from Kangwon National University in South Korea between 1978 and 1987, with an interlude for military service from 1982 to 1984. He pursued doctoral studies in the United States, receiving his Ph.D. in Biology/Biochemistry from Georgia State University in 1995. His postdoctoral training in microbiology was completed at Baylor College of Medicine, further solidifying his expertise in the field. This solid academic foundation has empowered him to conduct research that bridges fundamental biology with translational medicine.
Experience 💼
Professor Kwon’s professional journey began as an instructor at Kangwon National University, followed by research assistant work during his Ph.D. program at Georgia State University. He held several research and teaching roles at Baylor College of Medicine, including Lab Director, Instructor, and Assistant Professor, where he contributed significantly to understanding antimicrobial resistance. He joined Long Island University in 2007 as an Assistant Professor and rose through the ranks to become Full Professor. He has held numerous service roles at LIU, including Chair and Co-Chair of key departmental and university committees, General Biology Course Coordinator, and advisor for both undergraduate and graduate initiatives. His dedication to education and academic governance has made a lasting impact on institutional growth.
Research Interest 🔬
Professor Kwon’s primary research interests lie in microbial pathogenesis and antibiotic resistance. His work on H. pylori has elucidated mechanisms underlying metronidazole resistance, regulatory gene repression, and the genomic characterization of resistance-conferring genes. Beyond H. pylori, he has studied antibiotic sensitization in multi-drug resistant organisms like Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus. His current research focuses on synergistic effects of natural compounds such as glutathione and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) with conventional antibiotics, exploring novel approaches to combat multidrug-resistant pathogens. His investigations utilize molecular cloning, transcriptomic analysis, and bioinformatics to advance therapeutic strategies.
Awards 🏆
Professor Kwon has received numerous accolades for his scholarly contributions. He won the Young Scientist Award at the Xth International Workshop on H. pylori in Lisbon (1997), and Best Paper Awards at international conferences in Florida and Japan (1999). He was also awarded a Travel Grant by the American Society for Cell Biology in 2009. His innovative work earned him a U.S. Patent in 2007 for the “Use of Polyamines with Antibiotics.” These honors underscore his global recognition and scientific excellence.
Publication Top Note 📚
Kwon DH, Lu CD. Polyamines induce resistance to cationic peptide, aminoglycoside, and quinolone antibiotics in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2006;50:1615–22. — This study revealed how polyamines trigger antibiotic resistance mechanisms in P. aeruginosa, contributing to the understanding of cellular stress responses. (Cited by 250+ articles)
Kwon DH, Lu CD. Polyamines increase antibiotic susceptibility in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2006;50:1623–7. — This complementary paper reported paradoxical effects where polyamines can also increase susceptibility under certain conditions. (Cited by 200+ articles)
Kwon DH, Lu CD. Polyamine effects on antibiotic susceptibility in bacteria. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2007;51:2070–7. — This expanded the scope to other bacteria, showing polyamines’ dual role in antibiotic resistance/susceptibility. (Cited by 180+ articles)
Chou HT, Kwon DH, Hegazy M, Lu CD. Transcriptome Analysis of Agmatine-Stimulated Antibiotic Susceptibility in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. — This advanced transcriptomic analysis provided insights into gene expression modulation by agmatine.
Kwon DH, et al. Natural Transmission of Acquired-Multidrug Resistant Helicobacter pylori. Presented at the 8th Japanese Society for Helicobacter Research, 2002. — This presentation and its associated publication highlighted public health implications of resistance gene transmission.
Kwon DH, et al. Mechanism of metronidazole resistance in Helicobacter pylori. European H. pylori Workshop, 1999. — A foundational work on the gene-level regulation of resistance. (Cited widely in drug development research)
Kwon DH, Lu CD. Use of Polyamines with Antibiotics. U.S. Patent No. 11/420,671 (2007). — This practical outcome of his research has been a basis for therapeutic innovation in treating resistant infections.
Conclusion🧾
Professor Dong H. Kwon stands as a pillar in the field of microbiology, having merged rigorous research with impactful teaching and scientific service. His sustained focus on antibiotic resistance mechanisms, leadership in curriculum and personnel development, and consistent scholarly output have significantly advanced microbiological science. With a global academic footprint and a commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists, Professor Kwon exemplifies excellence in biomedical research and education.