Dr. Alita Burmeister's lab at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee focuses on understanding how bacteria evolve resistance to treatments, particularly using bacteriophages as an alternative to antibiotics. The lab studies the costs and benefits of different resistance mechanisms, such as mucoidy, which can both protect bacteria from phage attacks and affect their virulence. This research not only aims to find ways to use phages effectively in treating bacterial infections but also provides valuable hands-on research experience for undergraduates.