My lab work is focused on pathogenomics: we are using a variety of –omics technologies to characterize host-pathogen interactions at the molecular level, and identify novel microbial genes required to create diseases in host systems (known as virulence factors, or microbial effectors). Our main microbial models consist of entomopathogens, which cause diseases in insects. We are currently working on mosquito pathogens, in an effort to identify genes that may be translated into novel mosquito control technologies, and help prevent mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika or malaria.

During the past few years, we have developed collaborative relationships with the Oomycete Molecular Genetics Network (OMGN) group. Accordingly, our activities are mainly centered on oomycete molecular biology. We are generating genomics and transcriptomics data for the oomycete genus Lagenidium, which includes pathogens of insects and crustaceans. We use the sequence data to establish comparative genomics analyses between plant pathogenic and animal pathogenic oomycetes, and between oomycete and fungal pathogens of invertebrates.