Dr. Grap’s work is focused on optimizing pulmonary function in the critically ill with most recent projects aimed at improving outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients by reducing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Dr. Grap's current project, funding by the TriService Nursing Research Program (MDA-905-03-1-TS02; N03-006) tests the effectiveness of a single oral care intervention immediately following endotracheal intubation on the reduction of VAP in the trauma population. Additional projects focus on identification of methods to reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation, including assessment and management of sedation and agitation in the critically ill.