What we work on
Three lines of work, described below with the people leading each project. A plain-language overview is on the home page.
01 — Research area
How phages shape the gut microbiome
Viruses that infect bacteria are a large, mostly uncharted part of the gut. We are working out what they do there.
The gut microbiome is an important factor for human health. Although we are learning a great deal about how the function of gut bacteria can influence various communicable and non-communicable diseases, a major factor remains uncharacterized: bacteriophages.
We are intensely interested in understanding how bacteriophages influence bacterial communities in the gut and how this relates to human health.
Ongoing projects
- Develop mouse models to allow us to understand the causal role of gut phages in the mammalian gut (Josh Huff, Madelyn)
- Investigate the downstream effects of phage predation on bacterial hosts in the context of disease (Josh Heuler, Artha)
02 — Research area
Phages as precision tools inside the gut
Antibiotics and probiotics affect the whole gut at once. Phages can be aimed at one kind of bacterium and used to change what it does.
Directed alterations of the gut microbiome can lead to unintended side effects. Often, the approaches are non-specific, lack durability, or are generally ineffective.
We are investigating the use of phages as vectors for microbial gene delivery to precisely modify the function of pathogenic and commensal gut bacteria.
Ongoing projects
- Load phages with genetic cargo to direct resident bacteria towards therapeutic function (Shannon, Hannah)
- Use phages to domesticate professional pathogens (Rita, Ella)
03 — Research area
Biomaterials for women’s health
We are applying materials science to menstrual products, an area with little research behind it.
Menstrual health can substantially impact a woman’s quality of life, education, and career. Women’s health has been historically under-investigated.
We are leveraging modern scientific advancements in biotechnology to improve women’s health by focusing on areas that have been traditionally dismissed.
Ongoing projects
- Develop a modernized menstrual product to improve menstrual care and hygiene (Harsimran)
Join the lab
We are always looking for curious, motivated scientists at every career stage. See how to get in touch.