JEN PECHAL, PHD
Research
A core focus across my study areas is the use of community ecological knowledge with advanced genomic and computational tools to improve and transform lives. The prevailing theme throughout my projects is exploring microbes, insects, and their interactions that impact vital ecosystem functions and health outcomes. Specifically, better understanding the biodiversity, assembly patterns, dynamic interactions, and impact of micro- and macro-organism communities (e.g., bacteria, blow flies, and black soldier flies) associated with decomposing organic resources.
Applications that may benefit from my research include the obvious of using insects and microbial interactions for forensics (e.g., estimated postmortem interval range) and public health applications (e.g., identification of diseases), to less obvious applications of improving food security and agricultural sustainability (e.g., insects as an alternative protein).
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If you have any questions about on-going research or are interested in collaborating, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Carrion Ecology
Life does not end after death. Numerous organisms have evolved to use decomposing organic matter to complete their life cycle. The dynamics of the microbes and insects during the decomposition process is a key focus of my work. Specifically, delving into these interactions using basic ecological and next generation sequencing (NGS) approaches.
Postmortem Microbiome
Little is known about postmortem microbiology of humans, particularly the microbial structure of microflora residing within the human ecosystem, from real-world death investigation. Our collaboration has led to an extensive database of microbial samples collected postmortem from real-world cases.
Disease Ecology
Understanding and controlling emerging infectious diseases before they reach epidemic proportions is important to prevent devastating effects on human health, animal welfare, and species conservation. Especially, in emerging and neglected tropical diseases with outbreaks spanning across the globe.
