Research

I am interested in the interactions between microbial communities in the gut and behavioral outcomes. These interactions are studied in a mouse model of Autism Spectrum Disorder, focusing on the effects elicited by the addition of Clostridium celatum, a species found to be enriched in the stool of children with ASD. I am interested in identifying key microbial metabolites that may be associated with behavioral changes. I also collaborate with researchers in the Honey Bee Lab to study the gut microbiome of honey bees in response to probiotic treatment as well as infection by the pathogen Nosema.