Cryptosporidium Research Lab

Our research focuses on the molecular basis of virulence and persistence in the unicellular parasite Cryptosporidium. This protozoan parasite causes diarrheal disease in humans and animals and belongs to the Apicomplexa, a group that also includes the causative agents of malaria and toxoplasmosis. Compared with these better-studied parasites, many fundamental aspects of Cryptosporidium biology remain poorly understood.

Our laboratory investigates how genetic differences between parasites shape their properties during infection. We combine genetic crosses, functional genetics, and single-cell and transcriptomic approaches to identify genes and molecular mechanisms that influence virulence, persistence, and drug susceptibility. A particular focus is understanding why some Cryptosporidium strains cause only short-lived infections, whereas others can persist in the host for prolonged periods.

Using these approaches, we aim to uncover fundamental mechanisms of parasite biology, develop new experimental tools for the field, and identify potential new strategies to combat cryptosporidiosis.