Trichonympha . Wim Van Egmond/ Science Photo library
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eukaryote diversity, systematics and symbiosis, especially termite symbiotic protists and their long history of co-diversification with their hosts. She integrates these research passions into the classroom by carrying out research projects with her undergraduate students. Why does microbiology matter? Eukaryotic microbiology matters because it tells us about the function and evolution of our own cells. It teaches us the importance of symbiosis in evolution, as endosymbiosis has given rise to mitochondria and many types of photosynthetic organelles. What do you love most about your job? I love spending time on the microscope discovering new protist species and observing their complex morphologies. I also love working collaboratively with my students and colleagues.
About the author
Gillian H. Gile Associate Professor, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, USA
ggile@asu.edu
Gillian H. Gile is an Associate Professor in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University, USA. Her research passions are microbial
95 Microbiology Today October 2022 | microbiologysociety.org
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