There are two main threads to my current research. The continued development of molecular information, bioinformatics tools, and reagents for the study of parasitic infections is crucial, therefore I take advantage of next-generation technologies and implement comparative genomics approaches to study the biology and cellular pathways of these important parasites. The second area of my research is focused on the human microbiome. The approaches I am undertaking in these two areas have the potential for significant impact due to the recent explosion in the amount of data requiring analysis.

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My interdisciplinary research portfolio is interfacing dry- and wet-lab based research done by computational and experimental biologists with expertise in genomics, genetics, microbiology, infectious diseases, evolutionary and population genomics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and systems biology. This diversity is reflected in my affiliation with 4 different DBBS programs: a) Computational and Systems Biology, b) Molecular Genetics and Genomics, c) Molecular Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis and d) Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology. I have mentored over 50 trainees, including undergraduate, graduate students (PhD, MA/MD, MD/PhD) and postdoctoral fellows. I have sustained commitment to provide fair and intellectually challenging environment that prepares trainees to become competitive next-generation scientists.