Our Research
Tick Immune System
Ticks have an innate immune system that responds to tick-borne microbes. Hemocytes (tick immune cells) comprise a crucial part of the tick’s immune system. However, we know very little about what they do. Using time-lapse microscopy, flow cytometry, and untargeted metabolomics, we are characterizing the functions of hemocytes and how they ensure vector competence and fitness.
Conserved Tick and Mammalian Factors
Tick-borne microbes have to cycle between distinct hosts (ticks and mammals). By utilizing mouse models, human genetic data, and electronic health records, we are investigating host factors that facilitate the development of Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections.
Research Tools for Ticks
Ticks are non-model organisms, and thus research tools are limited. We are developing reagents and CRISPR-based screening platforms to study the functions of tick hemocytes in vivo and in vitro.