Introduction iii Materials and Methods Results Discussion Acknowledgements Author Contributions Figures legends Tables CHAPTER 4. CHARACTERIZATION OF THE CJSA_RS00180 DNA METHYLTRANSFERASE IN CAMPYLOBACTER JEJUNI IA3902 Abstract Introduction Materials and Methods Results Discussion Figures legends Tables CHAPTER 5. General Conclusions General Discussion Recommendations for Future Research ix ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This thesis was made possible by the collective efforts and support of colleagues, friends, and family. First, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to my major professor, Dr. Paul Plummer, as he has been an invaluable mentor at every step of my graduate studies. I am thankful for his kindness, patience, expertise, and the time he has spent answering all of my questions, challenging me and instilling confidence in myself as a scientist, improving my writing, and helping me gain access to innumerable opportunities, all of which have helped me develop into a successful independent researcher. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work in his laboratory. I would also like to thank my program of study committee: Drs. Qijing Zhang, Michael Yaeger, Lisa Nolan, and Gwyn Beattie for their guidance, suggestions, and encouragement. I thank all the members of the Plummer lab and Zhang lab, whom I have had the privilege to work with, and have invested countless number of hours to help assist me with experiments and training, sharing their wisdom and expertise in all things Campylobacter, and have always been available for me to exchange thoughts and ideas with. My research successes would not have been possible without your support and guidance. I also thank the countless number of former and current employees at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine and at the Interdepartmental Microbiology program for their support throughout my graduate career. Lastly, I would like to sincerely thank my parents Dach and Sherry, my sister Connie, Alan, Marty, Brent, Anna, and all my friends for their unwavering love and invaluable support network. For without their continuous love and support, I would not be where I am today.