My research encompasses three interrelated areas. First, my students,
colleagues and I examine the impact of an immune response against infectious
diseases on growth and reproduction. We are interested in identifying the
cytokines and hormones that the immune system releases in order to direct
nutritional resources towards defense instead of growth and reproduction. We
would also like to quantify the nutritional costs of these immune defenses.
Second, we are investigating the impact of an animal’s diet on the immune
response. Nutrition is clearly an important regulator of immune responses
and our research is directed toward understanding the underlying mechanisms.
Third, we are exploring the diverse nutritional and immune strategies of
carnivorous, nectarivorous, herbivorous and granivorous animals.
