Research Interests

IFT, Leishmania, trypanosomes, cell morphology, adhesion

Eukaryotic protozoal parasites have evolved an amazing diversity of shapes and forms that are adapted to different ecological niches. In the lab we study how the cell shape of the flagellated protozoal parasites, Leishmania mexicana and Trypanosoma brucei, is formed, maintained, and changed. We a re specifically interested in how the flagellum is modified through the parasites' life cycle to perform different functions, such as motility, surface adhesion and sensing. Leishmania mexicana and Trypanosoma brucei cause diseases that affect the poorest people in less developed countries around the world and understanding their morphogenesis is critical to deciphering how these parasites interact with their host.

I am happy for individuals outside my research group (particularly early career researchers) to present at one of my (online) group meetings – please contact me if you are interested.

I would like to present at group meetings organised by individual group leads – please contact me if you have an opportunity.