Molly C. Simonis

This study evaluates the reliability of using wing biopsies to detect blood-borne pathogens in bats, finding lower detection rates compared to blood but still viable for initial pathogen discovery.

The paper analyzes DrBHV diversity across Latin America and the Caribbean, showing widespread co-infection and geographic spread, suggesting vaccine vectors could be locally sourced.

The paper uses metagenomic sequencing and qPCR to detect Trypanosoma cruzi in bats from Belize, demonstrating their role as bioindicators for emerging zoonoses.

This study compares mercury levels in feces and fur of bats to develop a conversion factor for estimating contaminant exposure with minimal disturbance.

The paper develops a framework to model pathogen transmission in co-roosting host communities, finding that roost-level prevalence is highest when hosts are closely related or distantly related, depending on species-specific traits.