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.