# Kevin Gozzi, PhD Microbial Genetics & Physiology 2022 - present ![Headshot of Kevin Gozzi](/sites/g/files/omnuum13181/files/styles/hwp_4_5__320x400/public/2026-07/11c8da329e4e6393cd6c7391b9885f40fba6f001.jpg?itok=_eN7iIGd) smartphone [(617) 998-1082]() email We study gene transfer agents (GTAs), a widespread but poorly understood mechanism of horizontal gene transfer. GTAs are bacterial-encoded virus-like entities that package random sections of the host genome for horizontal transfer to other cells in the population. GTAs are selfless, in that they cannot propagate like a typical bacteriophage. Instead, they appear to act as informed delivery systems to control species-specific transfer of genetic material. We aim to use our findings to discover novel GTA systems to understand their roles, diversity and portability across the kingdoms of Life. [GOZZI LAB WEBSITE](http://www.gozzilab.org/) - ## Cohort Year(s) [2022](/cohort-year/2022) [2023](/cohort-year/2023) [2024](/cohort-year/2024) [2025](/cohort-year/2025) [2026](/cohort-year/2026) - ## Role [Current Fellow](/role/current-fellow)