Dr. Jerreme Jackson

The animal intestinal microbiome comprises a diverse community of microorganisms, which influence host development, physiology, and response to pathogens. However, the mechanisms underlying these complex interactions remain poorly understood. While we reference the microbiome as a single entity, disruptions of homeostatic conditions in the intestinal environment (e.g., diet, antibiotics) can lead to dramatic shifts in the relative abundance of each species, affecting the overall community composition and perturbing the equilibrium amongst residents. Using two lepidopteran pests, Helicoverpa zea (Corn earworm) and Spodoptera frugiperda (Fall armyworm), as experimentally tractable models, we aim to develop effective strategies and experimental approaches that will advance our understanding of how these complex microbial ecosystems shape animal health and behavior. My research foci include: 1) characterizing the molecular basis of Escherichia coli nutrient acquisition in the gastrointestinal tract, 2) elucidating the mechanisms resident microorganisms use to confer host resistance to colonization by potential pathogens.