UWM Associate Professor Troy Skwor is conducting research aimed at addressing the rise of drug-resistant bacteria. His work spans local and international settings, including studies on Milwaukee beaches and global public health initiatives. One of his primary projects involves developing advanced light-based therapies intended to help treat multidrug-resistant infections, including those affecting military personnel.
Skwor, a first-generation college student from Milwaukee who now leads the Antibiotic Resistance and Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy Laboratory at UWM, aims to support students in pursuing new research opportunities. His commitment to mentorship grew following a collaboration with UWM professor Janis Eells. Their work involving light-based approaches to address Chlamydia helped establish a new research direction for Skwor, using phototherapy as a method to target microbes without relying on traditional antibiotics. This approach aligns with broader efforts to address global challenges related to antimicrobial resistance.
Skwor’s work also extends beyond therapeutic development. According to an official statement, his research group conducted a study during the COVID shutdown that examined 15,000 strains of Aeromonas bacteria, providing important information about how gaps in infrastructure—such as wastewater treatment—can contribute to the emergence of drug-resistant organisms. Another area of his research focuses on local waterways, where the team has identified drug-resistant bacteria in treated wastewater that closely resemble strains found in hospital patients and at Milwaukee beaches, indicating possible pathways for the spread of infections.
Skwor’s work extends internationally and includes a range of public health projects. He has collaborated with sex workers in Ecuador to study factors linked to recurrent chlamydial infections and has contributed to the development of diagnostic tests for Chlamydia in Thailand. His involvement also includes volunteer efforts in countries such as St. Lucia, South Africa, and Uganda, where he has provided education and basic supplies. In addition, he participated in a marathon to raise funds for World Vision’s clean water initiatives.
