Dr. Murphy’s research group focuses on the implementation of emerging technologies—next-generation sequencing (NGS), laboratory automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools—to advance clinical microbiology and improve patient care.
1. Next Generation Sequencing
Dr. Murphy's research program focuses on surveillance for multidrug-resistant organisms of public health significance, with an emphasis on carbapenemase-producing bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Candida auris. Her work utilizes genomic data to detect healthcare-associated transmission events and genetic markers of antimicrobial resistance. This work impacts patient experience by informing epidemiologic investigations and developing new tools for guiding selection of antimicrobial therapy.
2. Laboratory Automation & Artificial Intelligence
Laboratory automation offers the potential to improve both the speed and quality of diagnostic results. Following the implementation of total laboratory automation in 2025, Dr. Murphy’s research focuses on leveraging these systems to optimize turnaround times and testing quality. In parallel, she is investigating AI-based tools to augment the interpretation of microbiology cultures and microscopic slides, with the goal of standardizing results and improving diagnostic consistency.
Overall, Dr. Murphy’s lab focuses on investigating multidrug-resistant organisms to better improve antimicrobial use and examining how laboratory automation and artificial intelligence can streamline patient care.