Chemical analyses and comparative metabolomics focusing on potentially antimicrobial compounds produced within the fungus-farming termite symbiosis.
Social immune strategies, social immunization and the care-kill disease response in fungus-farming termites
Exploring the potential for the healthy protein-rich termite fungal crops to be used for human consumption
Luka's work in this group will be as an extra hand where needed, including tasks such as arranging group meetings and assisting in the lab
Describe novel fungal species associated with termites and explore the origin, evolution and function of yeasts in termite gut
Resistance evolution and persistence of antifungal susceptibility in fungus-farming termites
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) communications between Termitomyces and Pseudoxylaria
Fulbright scholar
The adaptions in Podaxis to different antifungal and defensive chemicals produced by termites
Investigating how fungal and bacterial infections influence immune responses and gene expression in fungus-farming termites (Macrotermes bellicosus).
Exploring the presence of viruses in the fungus-farming termites and their crop fungus, and seeking to reveal the signatures of evolutionary changes associated with virus and host phylogenies.