The Disease Ecology Lab at Auburn University is an inclusive environment that rejects all forms of discrimination. We respect and welcome all people regardless of race, gender identity, religion, ability, ethnicity, nationality, or sexual orientation; and embrace everything that comes with these identities. We openly welcome constructive communication, but have a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of harassment. We will work with one another not just to support, but to uplift all members of the lab, domestic and international scientific colleagues, peers, and surrounding communities. We aim to amplify the underrepresented voices in our global community and seek knowledge in the pursuit of science which benefits all humans, our neighboring species, and our shared planet.
While one silk thread is strong, many woven together are stronger. –Malagasy Proverb
Our research focuses on the ecological and evolutionary drivers of disease dynamics. We are interested in how host ecology, behavior, and physiology influence heterogeneity in parasitism at the population level. One of the model organisms we use to address these questions is the mouse lemur (Microcebus rufus), a tiny rainforest primate endemic to Madagascar.
In order to evaluate disease dynamics at the ecosystem level, we take an interdisciplinary approach and combine methodologies to better understand how land-use change affects the ecology of infectious diseases. We are working in Madagascar, “an ecosystem in crisis”, Alabama, Egypt, Hawaii, and other locations to investigate the transmission patterns of vector-borne diseases between humans, wildlife, and the environment. Our ultimate goal is to address the sources of infection rather than the symptoms, and in doing so, develop interventions that promote better health not only in human communities but in ecological communities as well.