Dr. Testerman was interested in biology from a young age. Her interest in microbiology began when she struggled to treat fish diseases while working at a pet shop during high school. This led to her first research project. After earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota, Dr. Testerman worked at 3M Pharmaceuticals developing an immunomodulator for treatment of certain viral diseases and cancers. She then attended graduate school at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center (now the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus) where she earned a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology researching Salmonella pathogenesis. She later investigated the roles of Helicobacter pylori and other Helicobacter species in diverse diseases including gastritis, inflammatory bowel disease, gastric and colon cancers, atherosclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. She also studied the role of a broccoli-derived compound on colitis and the microbiome. After H. pylori was found in a rare appendiceal cancer, Dr. Testerman collaborated with surgeons and other researchers to determine how H. pylori and other bacterial species influence this cancer. Dr. Testerman loves sharing her passion for science with others. She believes that everyone can benefit from learning how the natural world works. After all, we are biological creatures and can make better decisions when we understand how our bodies work and how we are affected by the world around us- including microorganisms living within us. When not working, Dr. Testerman enjoys home improvement projects, cooking, and playing with her dogs, horses, and donkey.

Type: Post-Doctorate, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Post-Doctorate, infectious disease, Baltimore, Maryland, United States, August 1999, June 2001

2022 - Ongoing

Hepatitis C Program Manager, South Carolina Department of Corrections, Columbia, South Carolina, United States

2014 - 2021

Assistant Professor, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina, United States

2005 - 2013

Assistant Professor, Louisiana State University Health Sci. Ctr.-Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, United States

2001 - 2005

Instructor, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, United States

1991 - 1993

Biochemist, 3M Pharmaceuticals, Woodbury, Minnesota, United States