I grew up on a steady supply of "The Crocodile Hunter" with Steve Irwin and have always been fascinated with scientific research. I loved volunteering at the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and conducted a research project on the behavioral effects of training on Phillippine crocodiles (Crocodylus mindorensis) in captivity when I was in high school. Importantly, this experience provided me with an avenue to acquire scientific tools, engage in science education, and generated in me an appreciation for the interactions between wildlife and their environments.
An ideal microbiome study is one that incorporates host factors, microbe-microbe interactions, and environmental variables.
|
My research interests focus on how microbiome community structure is influenced across ecological landscapes. This includes (I) interactions between a host and associated microbes (i.e., maternal effects), (II) host-microbe interactions across heterogenous environments, and (III) microbe-microbe interactions (i.e., colonization and microbiome development). My work seeks to incorporate taxonomic, and where possible, functional diversity of microbes as well as metrics of host phenotype to evaluate the consequences of microbial community structure on host-microbe evolution. My research framework integrates ecology, physiology, and microbiology through both field and lab-based methods.
|
(I) Interactions Between a Host and Associated Microbes: Maternal effects
The neonatal microbiome can influence critical aspects of development and physiology, and therefore has the potential to affect components of fitness. Thus, the source of the neonatal microbiome has important implications across a range of biological disciplines, from human heath to wildlife conservation. In oviparous (egg-laying) reptiles, including birds, the eggshell microbiome has only recently been characterized in some species and is vertically transmitted between mother and offspring. This transfer of bacteria may occur directly from maternal sources or indirectly via the nest environment. I have used brown anoles (Anolis sagrei) to understand the link between maternal spatial variation, including differences in diet, and the eggshell microbiome.
(II) Host-Microbe Interactions Across Heterogenous Environments
Endocrine-disrupting contaminants disrupt normal endocrine physiology and homeostasis, causing down-stream effects on individual and population health. Several EDCs are xenoestrogens, or compounds that are biochemically like estrogen. Estrogen receptors are present throughout the body, and consequently, exposure to xenoestrogens can disrupt synthesis, transport, storage, and clearance of hormones. The gut microbiome modulates estrogen levels, which act by secreting the enzyme ß-glucuronidase, enabling estrogen to become biologically active. Together, these studies suggest links among EDCs (i.e., xenoestrogens), gut microbiota, and individual health; my aim is to understand these associations, particularly in wildlife populations.
(III) Microbe-Microbe Interactions: Colonization and Microbiome Development
Helpful resources when conducting research!
CRediT Author Statement: https://www.elsevier.com/authors/policies-and-guidelines/credit-author-statement
Field Safety Protocols: https://www.ucop.edu/safety-and-loss-prevention/_files/field-research-safety/uc-field-research-safety-manual.pdf
Tutorials on metagenomic and 16S rRNA gene-sequencing!
PacBio metagenome assembly: https://www.pacb.com/videos/metagenome-assembly-and-characterization-of-a-pooled-human-fecal-reference/
CRediT Author Statement: https://www.elsevier.com/authors/policies-and-guidelines/credit-author-statement
Field Safety Protocols: https://www.ucop.edu/safety-and-loss-prevention/_files/field-research-safety/uc-field-research-safety-manual.pdf
Tutorials on metagenomic and 16S rRNA gene-sequencing!
PacBio metagenome assembly: https://www.pacb.com/videos/metagenome-assembly-and-characterization-of-a-pooled-human-fecal-reference/
Last updated on 03/23/2023