Dispersal of microbial symbionts by predators
For part of my dissertation work, I am characterizing the dispersal of symbiotic microorganisms by coral predators (corallivores) such as butterflyfishes and parrotfishes. Specifically, I am quantifying the density and diversity of coral photosymbionts in the feces of corallivorous fish. By combining this with data on corallivore defecation behavior, I am able to quantify the exact contribution of corallivores to symbiont dispersal. Learn more here. |
Dynamics of RNA viruses infecting eukaryotic symbionts
One part of my dissertation focuses on describing the dynamics of RNA viruses infecting photosymbiont communities associated with corals. I am combining tank experiments with large-scale repeated sampling of coral colonies to identify how RNA virus communities are linked to coral health and resilience to stress. By studying RNA virus communities across species of coral with different ecologies, I aim to increase our understanding of the role of viruses in shaping host phenotypes. |
Community structure of animal-associated microorganisms
I am interested in how communities of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microrganisms can help animal hosts acclimatize to changing environments. By combining tank-based experiments with in-situ transplantation experiments and sampling across natural or man-made environmental gradients, I aim to elucidate how patterns of microbial community structure contribute to host health and decline. Learn more about this work here and here. |