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About Anna Groat-Carmona

My research lab examines the morphological changes that occur on the parasite plasma membrane (PPM) during the mosquito- to liver-stage transition, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the infection-related proteins that initiate exo-erythrocytic development by examining the role of multi-protein complexes at the PPM. Recent investigations into differential gene expression patterns in Plasmodium oocyst- and salivary gland-derived sporozoites lead to the identification of the Plasmodium BEM46-like protein (PBLP), which is contained within intracellular vesicles that are translocated to the PPM during sporozoite differentiation in infected hepatocytes. All eukaryotic organisms carry a homologue of the bud emergence (BEM)46 protein, which possesses a conserved amino acid motif of the α/β-hydrolase superfamily, though few have known biological functions despite being implicated in signal transduction pathways that affect cell morphogenesis. Current projects include:
1. Characterization of the functional role of the catalytic domain of PBLP in parasite invasive-stage membrane morphogenesis during the mosquito- to liver-stage transition using a combination of biochemical approaches.
2. Investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the unique cell morphogenesis of Plasmodium parasites during early liver-stage development.
3. Examination of the protein interactive network on the Plasmodium parasite plasma membrane during the mosquito- to liver-stage transition.
4. Examination of age-dependent maturation as it pertains to sporozoite infectivity in Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes.

Positions

Present Assistant Professor, University of Washington Tacoma School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
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Curriculum Vitae




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Professional Service and Affiliations

2015 - 2018 MSUB Science Elective Instructor, University of Washington
2015 - 2018 Biology Instructor, Western Washington University
2013 - 2015 BioQuest Academy Aid, Center for Infectious Disease Research
2010 Graduate Student Instructor, UC Berkeley
2007 Graduate Student Instructor, UC Berkeley
2005 - 2006 Teaching Assistant, Reed College
2005 Teaching Assistant, Reed College
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Honors and Awards

  • Undergraduate Research Community of Practice (Dr. E. Cline), University of Washington Tacoma, Tacoma WA.
  • Community Engagement Fellow (Dr. T. Tennessen), Western Washington University, Bellingham WA
  • Campus Equity and Inclusion Forum (Lifelong Learning Certificate), Western Washington University, Bellingham WA
  • Infectious Disease & Immunity Departmental Award for Best Graduate Student Instructor, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley CA
  • Outstanding Student Poster Presentation, American Society for Microbiology NW Branch Meeting Award, University of Washington, Seattle WA

Education

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2012 - 2015 Postdoctoral Scientist, Center for Infectious Disease Research
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2011 - 2012 Postdoctoral Senior Fellow, University of Washington
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2006 - 2011 Ph.D, University of California Berkeley ‐ Infectious Disease & Immunity
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2002 - 2006 B.A., Reed College ‐ Biology
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