Symbiotic gut microbiome effects on host phenotypes and performance
Our recent research explores how the intestinal microbiome influences developmental phenotypic plasticity, physiological performance, and disease susceptibility in larval amphibians. Using an experimental-gnotobiotic approach we manipulate the microbiome of larvae among differing species to test the role of microbes in amphibian physiology.
Our recent research explores how the intestinal microbiome influences developmental phenotypic plasticity, physiological performance, and disease susceptibility in larval amphibians. Using an experimental-gnotobiotic approach we manipulate the microbiome of larvae among differing species to test the role of microbes in amphibian physiology.
Linking animal homeostatic function to community ecology
Through collaborative research, we seek to link physiological and behavioral - homeostatic function of animals to broader ecological processes that include trophic interactions, and plant community dynamics. Through integrating emerging technology and manipulation of animal physiology (homeostatic function) we aim to test how environmental stressors induce shifts in animal movement and foraging behavior, and subsequently feedback to affect plant community assembly and diversity in mesic and arid grasslands under varied state transitions.
Through collaborative research, we seek to link physiological and behavioral - homeostatic function of animals to broader ecological processes that include trophic interactions, and plant community dynamics. Through integrating emerging technology and manipulation of animal physiology (homeostatic function) we aim to test how environmental stressors induce shifts in animal movement and foraging behavior, and subsequently feedback to affect plant community assembly and diversity in mesic and arid grasslands under varied state transitions.
Physiological stress effects on phenotypic performance and disease processes
In this research we have tested how compounding stressors (nutrition, density, thermal stress, and atrazine) impact amphibian functional performance; as well as how these interactions influence disease susceptibility, tolerance, and transmission of ranavirus.
In this research we have tested how compounding stressors (nutrition, density, thermal stress, and atrazine) impact amphibian functional performance; as well as how these interactions influence disease susceptibility, tolerance, and transmission of ranavirus.
Ranaviruses: An emerging disease of ecotherms
Our current research on Ranaviruses is aimed at understanding the physiology and ecology of disease outbreaks in amphibians. Specifically this work is focused on understanding how environmental stressors may contribute to the emergence and epizootic outbreaks of infectious diseases among wildlife. In collaboration with the Catenazzi Lab (SIUC Zoology) we are also exploring Ranavirus infection patterns among amphibians in Peru.
Our current research on Ranaviruses is aimed at understanding the physiology and ecology of disease outbreaks in amphibians. Specifically this work is focused on understanding how environmental stressors may contribute to the emergence and epizootic outbreaks of infectious diseases among wildlife. In collaboration with the Catenazzi Lab (SIUC Zoology) we are also exploring Ranavirus infection patterns among amphibians in Peru.
Homeostasis in variable environments
Using an integrative approach we are exploring how homeostatic systems and thermal performance interact and influence the capacity for animals to cope with a warming climate. We seek to expand our understanding of how various and interacting homeostatic mechanisms that include cellular heat shock proteins, the endocrine system, immunity, and metabolic processes function holistically to mediate thermal stress and acclimation in mammals and frogs.
Using an integrative approach we are exploring how homeostatic systems and thermal performance interact and influence the capacity for animals to cope with a warming climate. We seek to expand our understanding of how various and interacting homeostatic mechanisms that include cellular heat shock proteins, the endocrine system, immunity, and metabolic processes function holistically to mediate thermal stress and acclimation in mammals and frogs.
