Pathogens can drive significant variation in the microbiome, and the underlying mechanisms—particularly in wild systems—are still poorly understood. Gastrointestinal parasites, e.g. nematodes and protozoa, provide an exciting model for studying pathogen-host-microbiome interactions due to their shared niche within the gut. These organisms often compete for resources and interact with the host's microbiome, creating a feedback loop where pathogen-produced metabolites can influence the microbiome and vice versa.​

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​Leveraging a large-scale field experiment, I investigated how nematodes and protozoa, both in single infections and co-infections, influence the microbiome and metabolism of African buffalo and the consequences for ecosystem function.

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• How do pathogens influence host metabolism?

• How do pathogens shape microbiome metabolism?

• Can pathogens mediate host and microbiome physiology with consequences for ecosystem functions? 

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In prep. 

​1.     Brown BRP, Joelles, A, Song SJ, Callaway TR, Knight R, Ezenwa EO. Gut microbiome shifts during coccidia-nematode coinfection are shaped by pathogen-specific effects on host nitrogen. Complete draft for ISME

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