Research

Understanding disease systems at the human–animal–environment interface

Core Research Themes

1. Disease Ecology, Zoonotic Risk, and Emerging Infectious Disease Surveillance

Examines how environmental change, wildlife interactions, and human activity drive pathogen emergence and spillover, supporting surveillance and One Health interventions.

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

Explores parasite diversity and how co-infections influence immunity, susceptibility, and disease outcomes across host populations.

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 other local researchers from the universities and institutions who conduct research on infectious diseases such as malaria, schistosomiasis, soil transmitted helminths, and tick-borne pathogens including African Swine Fever, hemoparasites etc. 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

Investigates how social behavior and group dynamics influence pathogen exposure, physiological health, and microbiome variation in primates.

The lab has previously partnered with the Amboseli Baboon Research Project (https://amboselibaboons.nd.edu/) 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 validation of health monitoring tools such as cardiac monitors in wild and captive primates.

4. Molecular Epidemiology and Genomic Approaches

Uses genomic tools to study pathogen diversity, transmission pathways, and support diagnostics and drug resistance monitoring.

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 Program to conduct molecular surveillance of non-falciparum Plasmodium. In addition, the team has also participated in tracking markers of malaria drug resistance. To enhance innovation of diagnostics in snakebite envenoming by genomic approaches, the lab partners with the Kenya Snakebite Research and Intervention Centre.

Ongoing Projects

Tana River Ecosystem Conservation and One Health Program (TRECOP)​

A multidisciplinary initiative investigating interactions between human, animal, and environmental health in the Tana River ecosystem using a One Health approach.
  • Field sampling & laboratory diagnostics
  • Cross-species analysis (wildlife, livestock, humans)
  • Molecular and ecological monitoring
  • Longitudinal and cross-sectional studies
  • Evidence-based disease prevention

The Tana River Ecosystem Conservation and One Health Program (TRECOP) is a multidisciplinary research initiative focused on understanding the interactions between human, animal, and environmental health within the Tana River ecosystem. Conducted within the Tana River ecosystem, the program combines on-site field sampling with laboratory analyses undertaken at the Kenya Institute of Primate Research in collaboration with the Department of Primate Behavior and Evolution, the Max Planck Institute of Evolutionary Anthropology (https://www.eva.mpg.de/primate-behavior-and evolution/index/), Germany. The program applies a One Health approach to investigate the drivers of zoonotic disease transmission in a region characterized by close human–wildlife–livestock interfaces.

TRECOP integrates field-based ecological monitoring with laboratory-based diagnostics and molecular analyses to generate comprehensive data on pathogen circulation, host dynamics, and environmental risk factors. The program involves cross-sectional and longitudinal sampling of wildlife, livestock, human, and environmental sources, alongside ecological assessments, to identify patterns of disease emergence and transmission.

By combining ecological, microbiological, and epidemiological data, TRECOP aims to inform evidence-based interventions that enhance disease surveillance, strengthen ecosystem health, and support sustainable conservation strategies. The program contributes to regional and global efforts to prevent and control emerging infectious diseases through integrated, science-driven solutions.

Collaborators & Partners

Kenya Institute of Primate Research (KIPRE)
KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
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