Research
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My research program utilizes behavioral and molecular techniques to explore the effects of variables like aging, diet, and stress on primate gut microbiomes. Currently, my work is focused on characterizing the effects of aging on marmoset gut microbiomes. My dissertation work focused on characterizing the effects of diet and stress on the bonobo gut microbiome at two sites in the Lomako Yokokala Faunal Reserve, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iyema and N'dele.
Lomako Forest Bonobo Project
Lomako Forest Bonobo Project
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The Lomako Forest has two main study sites: Iyema and N’dele.Currently there are five congruent projects:
1) Genetics: uses genetic-capture recapture methods to understand population size and demography
2) Gut microbiomes: uses 16S r RNA sequencing to examine the diversity and composition of the commensal gut microbial communities
3) Isotopes: uses stable isotope analysis to understand the isotopic ecology of the Iyema bonobos
4) Hormonal: uses ELISAs to understand the different levels of steroid hormone concentrations
5) Behavior: uses behavioral observations to understand the feeding and social behavior of the Lomako forest bonobo
Aging in marmosets
Aging Marmosets Project
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I'm working in Dr. Corinna Ross' lab to characterize aging in the marmoset gut microbiome. We aim to use fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) to offset age-related changes in the marmoset gut microbiome.
Barbados Vervets
Barbados Vervets
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Looking to the future...coming soon!
