Research statement: My research is motivated by the catastrophic loss of amphibian biodiversity caused by infectious diseases. Amphibians are one of the most threatened groups of animals, with ~43% of species classified as threatened. Infectious diseases have played a significant role in the dramatic declines and extirpations of amphibian populations, particularly those caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, B. salamandrivorans and several iridoviruses in the genus Ranavirus. The goal of my research is to improve understanding of host-pathogen dynamics by characterizing the effects of disease on host populations and identifying mechanisms leading to host defenses against pathogens. I am particularly interested in the evolutionary and ecological factors that shape amphibian skin microbiomes, and how bacterial community structure influences host disease outcome. In my research, I employ an interdisciplinary approach in field and laboratory settings that takes advantage of my expertise in microbiology, amphibian biology, disease ecology, statistics and molecular biology.  

Research keywords: Microbial ecology, vertebrate-bacterial symbioses, disease ecology, salamander biology, climate impacts and conservation biology

E-mail: muletzc at si.edu


Education:
Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, 2016
Dissertation: The skin microbiome of woodland salamanders and its association with hosts’ taxonomy, environment, and health status.

Master of Science in Biology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, 2011   
Thesis: Soil bioaugmentation with antifungal bacteria for amphibian disease mitigation.

Bachelor of Science in Biology, Frostburg State University, Frostburg, MD, 2007
Second Major: Spanish Language & Literature


​
Outside of scientific pursuits, I try to do other fun things too....

My past-times include: hiking, gardening, camping, yoga, snow/wakeboarding, watching live music...

Carpe diem!