Buck Samuel Email & Phone Number

Microbes are exquisite architects of both host physiology and the world around us. Despite their importance, we know very little about how our indigenous microbes (our 'microbiome') are established, managed and maintained. Thus, research in my lab aims to comprehensively identify the molecular pathways that govern microbial influence over host physiology. It has been difficult to dissect these pathways with traditional systems due to their complexity and the lack of high-throughput analysis tools. Thus, to accomplish this goal, we utilize both clinical microbiome studies and have developed a novel microbiome analysis system that uses the free-living nematode C. elegans. Using this high-throughput system, we have characterized the natural C. elegans microbiome and identified several highly conserved host and microbial pathways that govern their interactions. In addition, we translate these candidates into other model systems and clinical populations. Ultimately, we seek to identify conserved genetic circuits that can be used to manage influence of the microbiome on human health.Twitter: @microbeMinded** POSITIONS AVAILABLE ** --> Email CV, Cover Letter, References to bucks [at] bcm [dot] edu

Listed skills include Molecular Biology, Cell, Biochemistry, Genetics, and 8 others.