Understanding the Hidden World of Microbes and Health

My research focuses on understanding how tiny organisms, specifically certain bacteria, interact with our bodies and influence our health. I am fascinated by the human microbiome, its variation across populations, and its role in health and disease. Microorganisms inhabit nearly every environment on Earth — they are critical components of many ecosystems, but there is so much we don’t yet know about how they interact. The human microbiome has been implicated in several chronic diseases and disorders, some of which have a disproportionate impact across populations. The microbiome is tightly linked to the immune system, yet much remains unknown about what governs microbial-immune interactions in the body, how they change over time, and how they adapt to changing conditions and/or accumulated exposures. Here’s a snapshot of what I do:

1. Prevotella and Rothia Bacteria: Friends or Foes?

My lab group studies two groups of bacteria called Prevotella and Rothia, which are commonly found in our mouths, airways, and lungs. Despite being so widespread, we still don’t understand their role. Are they beneficial, harmful, or both? By examining their genetic makeup and how they function, we aim to uncover their true impact on our health.

2. Asthma, COPD and Lung Health

We analyze the communities of bacteria living in the airways of people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). By using advanced techniques to study these bacteria, we aim to figure out how they might be linked to different features of these lung conditions. This could lead to better treatments and better understanding of these diseases.

3. Supporting Future Scientists

We are also dedicated to helping the next generation of scientists. The path to becoming a scientist can be mysterious and challenging. We work to make this process clearer and fairer, providing valuable information and feedback to aspiring scientists to help them succeed in their careers.

4. Health Beyond Biology

Health isn’t just about biology; it’s also influenced by our environment, history, exposures, and social conditions. Many studies overlook these factors. We collaborate with experts from various fields to understand how these elements interact with our microbiomes, aiming to provide a more complete picture of health and disease, and address health disparities among different populations.