Microbial Modulation of Development and Chemical Resistance: Host-Microbiome Interactions Across Early Life and Evolutionary Timescales

Emily is a 5th year PhD candidate in the Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program at Duke University in Dr. Nishad Jayasundara's lab. After receiving dual B.S. degrees in Biology and Marine Science from the University of Miami in 2020, she developed an interest in environmental toxicology and pursued an ORISE Fellowship at the US EPA. There, she investigated chemical mixture interactions using in vitro bioassays and mathematical modeling. Her doctoral research bridges developmental toxicology and environmental microbiology, exploring how the microbiome influences embryonic development and modulates responses to chemical exposures using lab-reared zebrafish. In parallel, she studies wild Atlantic killifish populations with distinct pollution adaptation histories to understand how host-microbiome interactions shape evolutionary responses to environmental stressors. Next, she hopes to continue advancing mechanistic understanding of host-microbiome interactions and translating insights into solutions that promote environmental and human health. This seminar will be held in person in Grainger Hall room 1112 and online via Panopto. Click "More Event Information" to visit the seminar website for a link to attend virtually. Both attendance options are free and open to all.