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Criss Lab

Associated with the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology (MIC), the Criss Laboratory investigates the pathogenic mechanisms of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the cause of the bacterial sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea. Gonorrhea affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide every year and has devastating effects on human health. Our research seeks to reveal vulnerabilities in the pathogen’s defense mechanisms that can be therapeutically exploited to combat this prevalent, debilitating infectious disease.

The Criss lab is affiliated with the following Programs and Centers at UVA:

Infectious Diseases NIH T32 Training Program

Carter Immunology Center

Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology

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Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology

UVA’s Research in Motion video on the Criss Lab

The Criss lab strives to conduct research of the highest rigor and ethical standards. We are a collaborative team built on mutual respect, honesty, and support for each other and the research we do. We value and celebrate every lab member’s unique background and perspectives. By learning from one another, we become better scientists and human beings.

August 2025: NIH MERIT Award to Alison »

Alison Criss, PhD, Receives NIH R37 MERIT Award for Gonorrhea Research

October 14, 2025 by jta6n@virginia.edu

Alison Criss, PhD

Congratulations to Alison Criss, PhD, Harrison Distinguished Teaching Professor and vice chair of the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, for her recent National Institutes of Health (NIH) R37 MERIT award for research about Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a bacterium that causes the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea.

The NIH MERIT award is a “Method to Extend Research in Time” funding mechanism that marks a conversion from an NIH R01 award to an R37 award. Dr. Criss was initially funded by the NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in 2012 through a grant that has been successfully renewed twice, most recently in 2024 for $2.7 million.

NIAID’s conversion of the award to an R37 grant for five years highlights her stellar record of research accomplishment. It also gives her the possibility of having the grant extended for up to five additional years without undergoing another integrated group peer review. It is notable that an R37 award recipient is nominated by the NIH program staff for outstanding research productivity and achievement in a research area that is especially important.

Read more about Dr. Criss’ research in the Medicine in Motion story published in January 2025.