Dr. Jurevic's research interests focus on the genetic basis of oral disease. He is currently investigating the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and copy number polymorphisms (CNPs) in the epithelial expressed antimicrobial peptide family known as Defensins. Dr. Jurevic is currently developing high-throughput genetic assays to study the association of these variations on susceptibility for oral diseases such as candidiasis in high risk populations for clinical application. Dr. Jurevic is currently funded for 5 years through the NIH/NIDCR K23 mentored patient oriented clinical research grant entitled “Defensin gene cluster variation and Candida carriage”. He is also investigating the relationship of defensin peptide expression patterns in patients undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapies and assessing the relationship of genetic variation and expression of peptide with development and severity of oral mucositis. The translational aspects of his research will facilitate the development of clinically applicable assessment tools for future patient care.