NSERC Prizes
Arthur B. McDonald Fellowship

Kayla King

Kayla King, an accomplished evolutionary biologist at the University of British Columbia, specializes in understanding the intricate dynamics of host-pathogen interactions to forecast patterns of infectious disease and animal health. Her pioneering work spans the fields of evolution, ecology, and genomics, aiming to unravel how traits such as host defense and pathogen virulence evolve, particularly under the pressures of environmental change.

King employs a diverse toolkit including experimental evolution, field studies, bioinformatics, and comparative analyses across animal-pathogen systems. Her research has provided critical insights, for instance, demonstrating how temperature fluctuations driven by climate change can influence disease transmission and virulence and highlighting the urgent need to reassess species' resilience in a warming world.

King's findings also highlight the role of biodiversity in shaping disease evolution and epidemiology, showing that genetic diversity in host populations can affect pathogen virulence and spread. Moreover, her studies on animal microbiomes reveal how these microbial communities evolve rapidly to combat emerging infections, offering new perspectives on disease prevention strategies.

King's research promises to bolster global preparedness against infectious diseases amidst environmental upheaval and transform our approaches to conservation and public health.

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