Research expertise

I aim to study the molecular mechanisms that mediate parasite survival and transmission in both the lab and field setting. I am focused on improving our understanding of the interactions between parasitic nematodes, their host(s) and their insect vector(s), as well as the impact of co-infection with other co-endemic pathogens. My research incorporates: (i) nematode neurobiology (for the validation of neuromuscular signaling pathways as novel anthelmintic targets); (ii) host immunosurveillance (to inform diagnostics and vaccine candidature); (iii) the development and application of reverse genetics methods (to examine nematode gene function); and (iv) the use of multiple -omics techniques, including next generation sequencing (for disease monitoring/field research) and mass spectrometry based approaches (to explore the molecular interface between parasite and host).

Given that 'nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution', I bring an evolutionary view point to all areas of my research (to best avoid fumbling around in the dark).