Dr. Crnich has a general research interest in healthcare-associated infections among vulnerable elderly patients with a specific focus on antibiotic-resistance in long-term care facilities. His research has utilized data collected from a prospective cohort study to better understand the transmission dynamics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli in Wisconsin nursing homes, elucidate the factors associated with acquisition of these pathogens, and begin to explore the role that different antibiotic classes play in this process. Future projects based on this research will focus on two areas: 1) improving antibiotic use in skilled nursing facilities and 2) developing and implementing effective interventions to reduce the cross-transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria between nursing home residents. He has received research funding through the National Institutes of Health, the Infectious Disease Society of America, The John A Hartford Foundation, and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.