The female genital tract (FGT) is home to a dynamic community of millions of microbes that play a vital role in shaping reproductive health. In an optimal state, this environment relies heavily on a group of protective, helpful bacteria known as lactobacilli. However, when these protective bacteria shift and a highly diverse mix of other microbes takes over, it leads to a common condition called Bacterial Vaginosis (BV).

BV alters local immune responses and changes the risk factors associated with acquiring sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Despite how common BV is, it frequently returns within a few months of standard antibiotic treatment, and the underlying biological triggers remain a mystery.

Our Focus: We are investigating how dormant viruses tucked inside protective bacteria can suddenly "wake up" due to external environmental stressors—such as compounds released from an IUD or antibiotics. When these viruses activate, they kill their bacterial hosts, throwing the entire ecosystem out of balance.

By combining clinical samples with laboratory experiments, we aim to map these microscopic dynamics to pave the way for more reliable, long-lasting reproductive health solutions

Infants who are exposed to HIV during pregnancy/breastfeeding but are born uninfected often navigate unique health and immune developmental challenges, showing distinct variations in their development and responses to standard childhood vaccines. Our lab is dedicated to understanding the root of these differences by looking closely at the gut microbiome—the ecosystem of microscopic organisms living in the digestive tract - and how it shapes the development of the immune system.

While previous research has focused purely on bacteria, we are pioneering studies into the infant gut virome, which is the community of resident viruses. Our work focuses on a few key areas:

• Viral-Bacterial Interactions: We study specialized viruses called bacteriophages that act as natural bacterial regulators, shaping the bacterial communities in the gut.

• Mapping Immune Development: By tracking data from human infants, in vivo models, and individual cells, we are mapping out how these microscopic interactions influence early-life immunity.

• Targeted Therapies: Ultimately, our goal is to uncover the precise mechanisms behind these microbial interactions so we can design therapies to support, protect, and restore optimal health to these infants.