In the Phelan lab, we apply modern mass spectrometry based tools in combination with traditional chemical, molecular and biochemical approaches to investigate the role of small molecules in the host associated polymicrobial communities (microbiome). It is our goal to characterize the chemical communication between microbial constituents, investigate the role of microbial metabolites in host-microbe interactions and determine how microbial communities may affect efficacy of treatment. Our current focus is unraveling the roles of microbial specialized metabolites in the development and persistence of complex pulmonary infections of cystic fibrosis patients.