Overview
Dr. Jayasundara studies adverse human and ecological health outcomes of anthropogenic environmental change, primarily emphasizing studies on environmental drivers of kidney development and health. Of particular interest are aquatic contaminants in natural streams and the drinking water and the role of heat stress as an effect modifier. Ongoing projects in the laboratory aim to
1. Determine interactive effects of agrochemicals on kidney mitochondrial function in the context of chronic kidney disease epidemic in agricultural communities by integrating on environmental epidemiology and mechanistic toxicology studies.
2. Examine mitochondrial responses to acute and chronic heat exposure during organismal development and linking to later-life metabolic consequences
3. Elucidate the role of genetic, epigenetic, and gut microbiome shifts associated with evolved resistance to chemical pollutants and fitness consequences.
4. Assess water quality through citizen science and community engagement in multiple domestic and global communities.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Recent Publications
Embryonic exposure to irgarol impacts development and larval and juvenile swimming in zebrafish (<i>Danio rerio</i>).
Journal Article Biofouling · February 2026 The primary method for mitigating the growth of biofouling organisms on submerged surfaces is through the use of broad-spectrum biocides, such as irgarol, which can impact non-target species. We assessed the developmental and bioenergetic impacts of early- ... Full text CiteChronic exposure to low levels of glyphosate and metals induces kidney dysfunction.
Journal Article Toxicological sciences : an official journal of the Society of Toxicology · January 2026 Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects ∼15% of U.S. adults and over 840 million people worldwide. Environmental contaminants, including pesticides and metals, are increasingly recognized as disease contributors, yet mechanisms and consequences of long-term, ... Full text CiteEnvironmental Microbial Cues Alter Embryonic Development and Stress Responses in Vertebrates: Insights From the Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Model.
Journal Article Mol Ecol · December 2025 Host-microbiome interactions shape key physiological processes, including bioenergetics, neurodevelopment and xenobiotic metabolism, and strongly influence the ecological fitness of the host. However, our understanding of host-microbiome interactions is pr ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
GCR: The other plastic problem: quantifying and predicting impacts of plastic additives across levels of biological and social organization
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2024 - 2029Duke University Program in Environmental Health
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences · 2019 - 2029The other plastic problem: weathering and plastic additives synergize to impact organismal health
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. · 2025 - 2028View All Grants