Sarah Nichols

Parasites are ubiquitous, and it is increasingly apparent that hosts carrying multiple infections are common in nature. Yet, there has been a historical focus on single-host, single-parasite study systems. I am interested in understanding how parasites with varied transmission modes, specificity, and life cycle complexities may display differing patterns of dispersal. Additionally, my research explores the dynamics of parasite co-occurrence within hosts, which presents opportunities for competition or facilitation between parasites, and could further influence patterns of parasite distribution.

To identify a diverse range of parasites, I utilise molecular methods and am developing bioinformatic pipelines to characterise a broad spectrum of parasite species. Parasites can drastically impact host populations, and these effects may intensify as climate change alters species' ranges and interactions. By examining a diverse range of parasites and their dispersal strategies, we can better understand emerging diseases, protect biodiversity, and maintain ecosystem health.

ecology, evolution