Core research themes
1
Disease ecology, zoonotic risk, and emerging infectious disease surveillance
This integrated theme examines the ecological and environmental drivers of pathogen transmission within and between species, with a strong focus on zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases. The lab investigates how land-use change, climate variability, and human–wildlife interactions influence the emergence, maintenance, and spillover of pathogens, identifying high-risk interfaces and transmission pathways relevant to public health.
In parallel, the lab conducts surveillance of emerging and re-emerging pathogens in wildlife populations, combining ecological, molecular, and community-level data to strengthen early detection and response systems. This work supports risk assessment, evidence-based interventions, and One Health strategies, contributing to improved disease prevention and control at the human–animal–environment interface.
2
Parasite diversity, burden, and co-infection dynamics
Research under this theme explores the diversity and distribution of parasites — including helminths, protozoa, and vector-borne pathogens — and how co-infections shape host susceptibility, immune responses, and disease outcomes. The lab collaborates with multiple partners within the Kenya Institute of Primate Research and researchers from local universities and institutions working on infectious diseases such as malaria, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminths, and tick-borne pathogens including African Swine Fever and hemoparasites. The lab emphasizes longitudinal analyses to understand temporal variation in infection patterns and the cumulative effects of multiple pathogens within hosts.
3
Behavior, sociality, and health in wild and captive primates
The lab has previously partnered with the Amboseli Baboon Research Project to investigate how social behavior and structure — such as grooming networks, dominance hierarchies, and group dynamics — mediate exposure to pathogens and influence physiological health and the gut microbiome. In addition, the lab has participated in validating health-monitoring tools such as cardiac monitors in wild and captive primates.
4
Molecular epidemiology and genomic approaches
Using molecular and genomic tools, the lab studies pathogen diversity, transmission pathways, and host genetic responses to infection. We partner with the KEMRI–Wellcome Trust Programme to conduct molecular surveillance of non-falciparum Plasmodium, and the team has also participated in tracking markers of malaria drug resistance. To advance diagnostics for snakebite envenoming through genomic approaches, the lab partners with the Kenya Snakebite Research and Intervention Centre.
