Research in the Parfrey lab focuses on the microbial ecology of eukaryotic microbes (protists) and their interaction with bacteria. We work in two distinct ecosystems: the mammalian gut and coastal ecosystems. Our gut microbiome research combines descriptive research with manipulative experiments to ask what is the ‘normal’ community of eukaryotic microbes (aka “parasites”) residing in humans and other mammals, and what are the consequences of losing our microbial diversity? Along coastal British Columbia, we are investigating how water column and biofilm microbes colonize marine hosts (invertebrates, seaweed, and seagrass), and how these host-associated microbes impact host and ecosystem health.
Location:
Department of Botany, University
of British Columbia
109 – 2212 Main Mall
Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z4
Contact Information:
Tel: 604 827 2214
Email: lwparfrey@botany.ubc.ca