The Dahms group has pioneered techniques to study the surface ultrastructure and physical properties associated with mechanisms of polarized and non-polarized growth in whole, live cells of fungi and moss via AFM. Now a Full Professor, Dahms and her group study the impact of xenobiotics on cells using advanced microscopy and biochemical methods. The group has collectively explored an assortment of mechanisms for pathogenic and mutualistic bacteria and opportunistic fungal pathogens. They use a battery of microscopy techniques including AFM, fluorescence, laser scanning confocal (two-photon), transmission and scanning electron microscopy, and near-field interferomic infrared AFM to complement traditional and modern (omics) biochemical approaches. Of special interest to the group is how xenobiotics, such as herbicides and antifungals, impact nontarget (microbes, human cells) and target (opportunistic pathogens) organisms, respectively. Toward this end, the group recently developed integrated correlative AFM-laser scanning confocal microscopy assays that generate multiplexed “cellulomic” response data. These new tools allow for the assessment of environmental impact and antimicrobial combination therapies on the nanoscale. Dahms’ research is currently supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation. She is grateful for the talented researchers with whom she works!