The thermal physiology of soil-transmitted parasitic nematodes

Interdisciplinary, multi-scale approaches to understanding how temperature cues shape the specialized behaviors of soil-transmitted human-parasitic worms

Lab Overview

The Bryant Lab focuses on understanding how temperature cues shape the specialized behavioral and physiological responses of soil-transmitted parasitic nematodes. We are part of the UW Department of Physiology & Biophysics.

Our lab uses an interdisciplinary, multi-scale approach to understand the molecular, cellular, and organismal adaptations that drive the thermosensory abilities of parasitic nematodes that infect over 1 billion people worldwide. For this work, we use the human-parasitic nematode Strongyloides stercoralis and the closely related rat-parasitic nematode Strongyloides ratti as model systems. We also use the free-living model nematode C. elegans, which shares many of the same genes and neurons as parasitic nematodes, but exhibits fundamentally different sensory behaviors. 

We are driven both by curiosity about the adaptations that generate specialized behavioral repertoires from evolutionary conserved neural circuits, as well as the potential to develop new approaches to treating a major threat to global health and economic stability. 

Lab Philosophy

The Bryant Lab believes that scientific discovery requires a safe and inclusive environment. To build this atmosphere, I am committed to empowering trainees to embrace their unique identities while we work together to imagine and achieve your individual career goals. Our lab's guiding principles are celebrating diversity, uplifting voices from marginalized communities, and fostering a scientific culture of mutual understanding, trust, and respect.


Artist: Dr. Sammy Katta - https://sammykatta.com/pledge

The Bryant Lab has open positions!

For more information, please see the Contact page