Dr. Nathan Schmidt is an Assistant Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Louisville. Dr. Schmidt studies the parasite that is transmitted by mosquitoes and causes malaria, Plasmodium. Malaria is a prevalent parasitic disease around the globe that is estimated to kill up to 500,000 people every year. Dr. Schmidt is interested in how the microbiome, which are the bacteria that are naturally found in the gut, influence the ability of a host to resist being infected with malaria. Dr. Schmidt discusses malaria parasites, mosquitoes, and eradication efforts. Discussants (in alphabetical order): Dr. Evelien Bunnik (Assistant Professor of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics at University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio) Dr. Kirsten Hanson (Assistant Professor of STCEID, UTSA) Dr. Karl Klose (Professor and Director of STCEID, UTSA)