Department of Biology

John Dewey

Peter Armbruster

Mosquito vectors of Dengue and West Nile viruses

My research interests center on understanding mechanisms of phenotypic evolution in natural populations. I am particularly interested in investigating how interactions between ecological forces and genetic mechanisms lead to evolutionary change. My approach to these broad questions is necessarily integrative, and utilizes field ecology, quantitative and population genetics, and molecular biology. I have chosen to focus on container-breeding mosquitoes as a model because these mosquitoes represent highly tractable experimental systems.
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RESEARCH NEWS FOCUS: PETER ARMBRUSTER

Heidi Elmendorf

Giardia lamblia

Giardia lamblia is one of the most prevalent intestinal protozoan pathogens worldwide. In the U.S., infections are most common among campers and children in daycare centers. After ingestion of the infective cyst stage by the host, the parasite differentiates in the lumen of the small intestine and its presence often results in severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss. In addition to its medical importance, Giardia is also a representative of one of the earliest diverging eukaryotic lineages. Our laboratory focuses on two main questions: transcriptional regulation and cytoskeleton control of swimming and attachment behavior.
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Ronda Rolfes

Filamentation in Candida albicans

Research in my laboratory is focused on elucidating the mechanisms that yeast cells use to sense external conditions - such as nutrient abundance and host status - and how they alter gene expression in response to these conditions.  In C. albicans, we are investigating how filamentation is controlled at the genetic level. The ability of this fungus to form hyphae and pseudohyphae is linked to virulence. 
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RESEARCH NEWS FOCUS: RONDA ROLFES

Steven Singer

Giardia lamblia

My research all centers on the protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia. Giardia replicates in the small intestines of many species of mammals and is a major cause of human diarrheal disease throughout the world. In the U.S. Giardia infections are mainly found in campers and hikers who forgot to treat their water as well as in day care and nursing home situations. My research area focuses on the host's immune response to the parasite. While both humans and mice produce a strong antibody response during infections with Giardia, we have recently shown that antibodies are not required to control acute infections with this parasite. Instead, CD4+ T cells and the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) are absolutely required. We are interested in determining which cells produce IL-6 during Giardia infections and in determining which cells the IL-6 acts upon and how this leads to resolution of the infection.
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RESEARCH NEWS FOCUS: STEVE SINGER