The innate immune response, which is the first line of defense against an infection or injury, is mediated by a variety of immune effector molecules that regulate molecular recognition at the plasma membrane. During the first phase of the response, pathogens are targeted by constitutively produced proteins, e.g. host-defense peptides (HDP),  the plasma membrane being a primary target. Understanding the mechanism of HDPs  at the molecular level is critical for designing more potent variants.   Our research group is developing biophysical techniques to interrogate peptide-membrane interactions at the molecular level. We are particularly focused on employing Neutron Reflectivity and Diffraction methods for structural analysis as well as Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and Electrochemical Impedance (EI) spectroscopy for functional and kinetic studies. The interdisciplinary research is carried out at the NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) and at the Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research which have state-of-the art capabilities for cold neutron measurements, protein expression and stable-isotope labeling of biomolecules.