Host-microbe interactions

The Moreau Lab studies the evolution of symbiosis between animals and their diverse microbial communities. Current work focuses on the benefits of microbial communities for ant hosts from nutrient provisioning to contributions to cuticle formation. Methods include amplicon sequencing, quantification, metagenomics, functional assays, experimental manipulations, and more. This work is deeply rooted in natural history and understanding organismal biology. Our multidisciplinary team addresses questions about the role of symbiosis in the ecology and evolution of ant hosts and opportunities exist for project related to these areas.