Dr. Volk utilizes both clinical and translational research methods to investigate the interactions between the host immune system, infecting pathogens, and antibiotics. Her research uses in-vitro pharmacokinetic modeling systems, immune cell co-culture systems, and in-vivo zebrafish modeling as tools to simulate treatment of infectious diseases in humans. The overarching goal of her research program is to improve clinical outcomes of infectious diseases by optimizing antibiotic use based on a better understanding of the role of antibiotics in optimizing innate immune function. 

Students interested in research opportunities should reach out by email.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (Biochemistry): Northern Michigan University, 2016
• PharmD: UW Madison, 2020
• PGY-1 Residency: Rush University Medical Center, 2021
• Infectious Disease Research Fellowship: UW Madison, 2023

• 656 - Pharmacotherapy IV (Infectious Disease Topics)
• 659 - Infectious Diseases Pharmacotherapy in the Acute Care Setting 
• 560 - Seminars in Antimicrobial Stewardship
• 553/554 - Integrated Pharmacotherapy Skills Lab I & II

• Kufel WD, Tudahl K, Hutson P, Mahapatra R, Rose WE, Volk CF. Monthly dalbavancin dosing for suppressive therapy: a pharmacokinetic estimation analysis and case series. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2025.

• Bayne C, McGrosso D, Sanchez C, Risotto LA, Gonzalez C, Baus C, Volk C, Dorrestein P, Nizet V, Sakoulas G, Gonzalez DJ, Rose W. Multi-omic Signatures of Host Response Associated with Presence, Type, and Outcome of Enterococcal Bacteremia. mSystems. 2025; e0147124.doi: 10.1128/msystems.01471-24.

• Guerra AD, Volk CF, Peterson-Weber A, Peters JM, Sakoulas G, Sauer JD, Rose WE. Minocycline enhances antimicrobial activity of unpolarized macrophages against Acinetobacter baumannii while reducing the inflammatory response. bioRxiv 2024.09.27.615437.

• Volk CF, Proctor RA, Rose WE. The Complex Intracellular Lifecycle of Staphylococcus aureus Contributes to Reduced Antibiotic Efficacy and Persistent Bacteremia. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25(12):6486.

• Volk CF, Hutson P, Rose WE. Simulated Target Attainment of Multidose Regimens of Dalbavancin for Prolonged Durations of Therapy. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2024;11(6):ofae315.

• Li C, McCrone S, Warrick J, Andes D, Hite Z, Volk C, Rose W, Beebe D. Application of under-oil open microfluidic systems for rapid phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Lab Chip. 2023;23(8):2005-2015.
• Rose WE, Volk CF, Dilworth TJ, Sakoulas G. Approaching 65 Years: Is it Time to Consider Retirement of Vancomycin for Treating Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Endovascular Infections? Open Forum Infect Dis. 2022;9(5):ofac137.
• Volk CF, Burgdorf S, Edwardson G, Nizet V, Sakoulas G, Rose WE. IL-1β and IL-10 host responses in patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia determined by antimicrobial therapy. Clin Infect Dis. 2019;10.1093:ciz686.