An accurate method for identifying recent recombinants from unaligned sequences

We developed a new method to detect recent recombinant sequences without the need for a reference panel, and demonstrate its application to malaria parasite var genes that are highly recombinogenic.

Age-specific patterns of DBLα var diversity can explain why residents of high malaria transmission areas remain susceptible to Plasmodium falciparum blood stage infection throughout life

We characterized age-specific patterns of P. falciparum variant antigen gene diversity in residents of a highly endemic setting in Bongo, Ghana and used these data to simulate the development of variant-specific immunity over an individuals lifetime. This work was featured in the Herminthology #WomenBehindTheWork initiative

SARS-CoV-2 Multi-Antigen Serology Assay

We developed a luminex-based serological assay for measuring antibodies to a panel of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory virus antigens.

The impact of indoor residual spraying on Plasmodium falciparum microsatellite variation in an area of high seasonal malaria transmission in Ghana, West Africa

We show how parasite genetics can be harnessed to better understand the efficacy of malaria control interventions, particularly by identifying key factors leading to parasite resilience that may not be reflected in other commonly used evaluation metrics. This work was chosen by the Molecular Ecology editors to be featured on their blog.

Clinical malaria incidence following an outbreak in Ecuador was predominantly associated with Plasmodium falciparum with recombinant variant antigen gene repertoires

We describe the genomic epidemiology of continued malaria disease transmission in Ecuador after and outbreak and explore whether clinical cases are imported or locally-acquired.

Evolutionary analyses of the major variant surface antigen-encoding genes reveal population structure of Plasmodium falciparum within and between continents

We described population structure at of the highly diverse genes encoding the immunodominant surface antigen of P. falciparum at the global scale. This work was chosen by the PLOS Genetics editors to be featured with an accompanying Perspectives piece.

Evolution of Antimalarial Drug Resistance Markers in the Reservoir of Plasmodium falciparum Infections in the Upper East Region of Ghana

We described the evolution of P. falciparum antimalarial drug resistance in Bongo, Ghana

Competition for hosts modulates vast antigenic diversity to generate persistent strain structure in Plasmodium falciparum

We used temporal multilayer networks to analyze the genetic similarity of malaria parasites.

Networks of genetic similarity reveal non-neutral processes shape strain structure in Plasmodium falciparum

We developed models that encompass malaria epidemiology and evolution to examine immune selection signatures.

Signatures of competition and strain structure within the major blood-stage antigen of Plasmodium falciparum in a local community in Ghana

We explored the evolutionary and ecological dynamics of P. falciparum antigenic diversity.