Ecology and evolution of parasites and other symbionts across scales
We combine omics techniques, machine learning, and network analyses of museum specimens and field-collected samples to explore the complexity of environment-host-symbiont interactions through space and time. Some current questions include:
- Is there a pre-requisite microbiome for the evolution of blood-feeding in parasites?
- Are infections modulated by selection and drift like populations?
- Does holistic sampling improve our understanding of parasite transmission and distribution?
- Does host evolutionary history determine susceptibility to infection?
- Is urbanization a driver of parasitism?
- Can arid-adapted soil microbiomes improve crop resilience?
- Do microbiomes supplement protein in highly specialized parasites?
We use comparative biology to examine these questions in wildlife systems with the goal of improving human, animal, and environmental health in a changing world. We maintain a supportive, collaborative lab community in which all members are able to thrive in their personal and professional lives and in which we celebrate the diversity, creativity, and excellence of our group.
Contact
SPEER Lab
Kelly Speer, Assistant Professor
Kelly.Speer at nau.edu
Biological Sciences & Pathogen and Microbiome Institute
Northern Arizona University
Banner Image: "Desert Abstraction", Georgia O'Keeffe, 1931
