Our primary research interest is in the biology, pathogenesis and immunology of Plasmodium falciparum. Patients infected with this parasite can be completely asymptomatic or develop severe disease resulting in death. The goal of our research has been to define the molecular mechanisms that underlie this variation in disease outcomes in P. falciparum. Toward this goal, we have developed a new pathogenesis model through the analysis of in vivo parasite biology and associated host factors using a whole genome approach. We have identified novel parasite biology when it resides in the human host; this biology has not been reported under in vitro cultivation and may play a role in enhanced virulence and/or transmission capacity. We also are interested in understanding the cause of coma in cerebral malaria through metabolomic studies and development of adjunctive therapy to improve outcomes. We carry out field based translational studies in cohorts infected with malaria in Africa and test hypothesis in the animal model of malaria. The long term goal is to identify parasite and host processes involved in disease to serve as targets for vaccine or chemotherapeutic development.