EXPLORING THE COMPLEXITY OF HOST-MICROBE INTERACTIONS
Our research surrounds the functional ecology of host-microbe interactions. We focus on understanding the mechanisms underlying microbial symbiosis and function in plant and human hosts. We employ a multi-omics approach including culture techniques, microscopy and imaging, metabolomics, and microbiome sequencing to reveal how bacteria, archaea, and especially fungi influence host health and sustainability. Click here to learn more about our specific areas of research.
MAJOR RESEARCH TOPICS
Functional Ecology in Plant Microbiomes
We employ a multi-omics approach for understanding plant-microbe interactions, including culture-based techniques, metabolomics, and microbiome sequencing. We are interested in how microbes influence plant fitness broadly, but focus on communities in habitats particularly threatened by global climate change, including montane forest, mangroves, and tropical rainforest.
Roles of Environmental Microbiomes in Human Health and Habitat Sustainability
We use statistical modeling including artificial intelligence-based algorithms to link microbial community traits to human disease and ecosystem services. Our current interests surround the roles of fungi in cancer and allergic disease, and the responses of environmental fungi to atmospheric pollution.
shaffer@csufresno.edu
(559) 278-0054
California State University, Fresno
Department of Biology
Fresno, CA, USA
COPYRIGHT © 2024 THE SHAFFER LAB
SHAFFER LAB - FRESNO STATE 