Our new research group will start in the fall of 2026! Our laboratory will be based in the Morgridge Institute for Research, and our group will also be part of the Department of Biomolecular Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
We seek to understand how our own human metabolism differs from that of our ancient eukaryotic relatives such as amoeba, some of which are deadly human pathogens. To do so, we are building an interdisciplinary, collaborative team that will integrate large-scale multi-omics, high-throughput microscopy, and computation with mechanistic biochemistry, organelle physiology, and cell biology. By delineating unique biochemical features of amoeba metabolism that are not seen in humans, we hope to uncover both new fundamental principles of biology and novel targets for anti-parasite drugs. While our primary focus is on science, we also believe that training within the laboratory must simultaneously develop professional skills in communication, leadership, teaching, and mentorship. Through this approach, we aim for both scientific discoveries and professional development.