This series spotlights the amazing postdoctoral researchers working in the YSPH Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases (EMD) department. This month, we focus on researchers conducting research on infectious diseases in different labs in the department. Here, Postdoctoral Associate Daniel Bruzzese tells us about the program and some of his exciting research in a Q&A format.

Please tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to pursue a Postdoc in the EMD Department at the Yale School of Public Health?

Daniel: I have been in the Aksoy lab for more than two years. I am very interested in questions of symbiosis – specifically how bacteria can shape the evolution of their insect hosts and how we can use these bacteria to stop the spread of vector-borne diseases. I was drawn to the EMD department by my PI, Professor Aksoy, who specializes in cutting-edge symbiosis research in tsetse flies. We also have a tsetse fly colony here in the EMD department! They serve as a model system for symbiosis research, containing up to four different strains of symbiotic bacteria (Wigglesworthia, Sodalis, Wolbachia, and Spiroplasma) and the sleeping sickness-causing parasite.

What is the current focus of your research?

I am currently researching Spiroplasma, which is a symbiotic bacterium present in some populations of tsetse flies. The ultimate goal is to utilize Spiroplasma to make tsetse flies resistant to the sleeping sickness-causing parasite, thereby reducing incidence of sleeping sickness in humans.

What are some of the most significant findings or innovations from your infectious diseases research?

I have learned that the symbiont Spiroplasma can manipulate its tsetse fly host in many ways. A new Spiroplasma genome assembly shows it can acquire both fructose and lipids from its tsetse fly host and produce several toxins – all of which make the tsetse fly less hospitable to the sleeping sickness-causing parasite and, therefore, less likely to transmit the disease to humans.

Which emerging trends or technologies in your area of infectious diseases research do you find most exciting?

New long-read sequencing technology! Genome assembly is like a puzzle. Previously, with short-read sequencing technology, you had millions of tiny little pieces that you had to figure out how to jam together – normally with poor results. Now, with long-read sequencing (PacBio or Nanopore), the puzzle pieces are much larger and easier to connect. For example, I was able to assemble a near-complete tsetse fly genome in just a few days!

Where do you see your field of infectious diseases research heading in the next few years, and what role do you hope your work will play in this future landscape?

I think the field is moving towards leveraging naturally occurring symbiont bacteria for vector control. We are already seeing the application of this approach in mosquito vector control, and I predict its expansion to new systems and new bacteria. Hopefully, my work on the Spiroplasma symbiont can contribute to developing symbiont-based tsetse fly vector control.

How has the EMD Department supported your research and academic goals?

I have found the department to be a very supportive environment. Everyone has an open office or lab space, and they are always excited to share their research and techniques. Whenever I’m stuck, I can usually find someone who has the expertise or knows an expert to help solve my problems.

What advice would you give to prospective students considering applying to the EMD training programs at Yale?

Go for it! I have been very impressed with the faculty, the students, and the growing program. If you’re interested, definitely reach out to professors and current students to learn more.