Ravinder Sehgal

Ravinder Sehgal is a Professor in the Department of Biology at San Francisco State University since 2007, specializing in avian blood parasites through molecular, ecological, and evolutionary approaches across field sites in Africa, California, and Central America.

Education

• Ph.D., University of California, San Francisco

Research Interests: Dr. Sehgal investigates host-pathogen dynamics in avian malaria and related blood parasites, examining deforestation impacts on disease transmission in African rainforest birds. His work integrates molecular parasitology, conservation genetics, and satellite imagery analysis to study host specificity, pathogenicity origins, and forest composition changes affecting disease spread. Key projects involve long-term sampling across Cameroon, Ghana, and Uganda since 1990.

Laboratory and Collaborations: He directs the Sehgal Lab utilizing DNA sequencing, genomics, transcriptomics, and microscopy. Major partnerships include UCLA's Center for Tropical Research, Vilnius Nature Research Centre, University of Buea (Cameroon), UC Davis, and Golden Gate Raptor Observatory for studies on hummingbirds, passerines, and raptors.

Teaching and Mentoring: Professor Sehgal teaches General Parasitology, Parasitology Lab, and Emerging Infectious Diseases, with research projects accommodating graduate and undergraduate involvement.

Awards and Grants: No specific scientific awards or grants are mentioned in the provided text.