Dr. Wellington is a physician scientist whose research focuses on the interaction of the host with human fungal pathogens. Her research uses novel confocal microscopy techniques to directly visualize fungal organisms growing within host tissue. This allows for the study of fungal genetic factors that regulate pathogenesis in the mammalian host. She also studies host inflammatory responses to fungi, including the role of interleukin-1 alpha and beta in host responses to Candida albicans.

Dr. Wellington also has a clinical and research interest in prevention of healthcare associated infections. She is a member of the UIHC Program of Hospital Epidemiology and is the Associate Hospital Epidemiologist who focuses on infection prevention in the Stead Family Children’s Hospital.