Dr. Silvia N. Moreno's research lab focuses on understanding how the Toxoplasma gondii parasite uses calcium signaling for infection and survival. They aim to identify new drug targets to combat reactivation of this common parasite that poses severe risks to immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women. By uncovering the mechanisms of calcium channels and other critical pathways, the lab is working towards developing more effective treatments for toxoplasmosis.

Dr. Rick L Tarleton's lab focuses on improving diagnostics and treatment strategies for Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. By developing more sensitive detection methods using advanced PCR techniques, the lab aims to enhance understanding of the parasite's lifecycle and effectively monitor treatment outcomes in both humans and animals, particularly dogs. This research addresses a major health challenge in Latin America and aims to improve public health interventions.

Dr. Karl F. Lechtreck's lab focuses on understanding how the tiny hair-like structures on cells, called cilia, are assembled and how they transport proteins critical for their function. Cilia play important roles in cell movement and signaling, and problems with cilia can lead to health issues like blindness or infertility. By exploring the mechanisms of protein transport in cilia using a simple model organism, the lab aims to shed light on these vital cellular processes which have wider implications for human health.

Dr. Vasant Muralidharan's lab at the University of Georgia focuses on understanding how a malaria-causing parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, modifies its proteins to survive and thrive inside human red blood cells. His research investigates the unique ways this parasite traffics proteins without using common eukaryotic mechanisms, aiming to uncover potential targets for new antimalarial therapies. This work is crucial given the rising drug resistance among malaria parasites.