Gabrielle Stryker

Gabrielle Stryker is a Professor at Central Washington University specializing in parasitic diseases caused by Kinetoplastid organisms. She teaches General Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology while leading research on molecular mechanisms of pathogens including Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas disease), Trypanosoma brucei (sleeping sickness), and Leishmania species.

Education

• Ph.D. in Immunology/Molecular Microbiology, Johns Hopkins University (1995)

Research Focus

Her laboratory investigates the paraflagellar rod (PFR) – a critical motility structure in Kinetoplastid flagella – using molecular biology and cellular immunology techniques. Current work examines PFR protein immunogenicity for vaccine development and mathematical modeling of disease transmission dynamics. The research has demonstrated that recombinant PFR proteins protect mice from lethal T. cruzi challenge, highlighting their therapeutic potential.

Publication Analysis

Her 11 most recent publications (1997-2023) reveal three interconnected research strands: (1) Mathematical modeling of Chagas disease transmission and control strategies, (2) Experimental studies on Leishmania cross-species immunity and infection progression, and (3) Molecular characterization of PFR proteins and their role in parasite biology. This interdisciplinary approach bridges computational epidemiology, immunology, and molecular parasitology to address tropical disease challenges.

Research Infrastructure

Professor Stryker maintains an active laboratory in Science Building 236C, employing techniques ranging from molecular cloning to in vivo infection models. Her work on piezoimmunosensors and implantable filtration devices demonstrates translational applications of basic research findings for diagnostic and therapeutic development.