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Asiya Gusa

Assistant Professor of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
Molecular Genetics and Microbiology

Overview


The goal of our research is to understand how environmental fungi adapt in response to stress to survive the environment-to-host transition, develop drug resistance and cause persistent human disease. We employ a variety of tools (phenotypic assays, whole-genome sequencing, quantitative PCR, microscopy, etc.) to characterize the genetic and cellular changes that occur in Cryptococcus in response to environmental cues such as heat stress, changes in pH and nutrient availability.

Graduate Faculty Member of the University Program in Genetics and Genomics (UPGG)
Graduate Faculty Member of the Program of Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB)

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Assistant Professor of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology · 2023 - Present Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Basic Science Departments

In the News


Published April 10, 2025
Fungal Fallout From Helene and Its Potential Health Effects
Published February 13, 2025
Fungi: Friend and Foe to Humans and the Earth
Published October 11, 2024
Infectious Fungi Are Loving Global Warming

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Recent Publications


Celebrating the fifth edition of the International Symposium on Fungal Stress – ISFUS, a decade after its 2014 debut

Journal Article Fungal Biology · August 1, 2025 The Fifth International Symposium on Fungal Stress (ISFUS) brought together in Brazil many of the leaders in the field of fungal stress responses, from fourteen countries, for four days of outstanding science ranging from basic research to studies with agr ... Full text Cite

Temperature and genetic background drive mobilization of diverse transposable elements in a critical human fungal pathogen.

Journal Article bioRxiv · May 23, 2025 Transposable elements (TEs) are key agents of genome evolution across all domains of life. These mobile genetic elements can cause mutations through transposition or by promoting structural rearrangements. Stress conditions can amplify TE activity, either ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Tri-Institutional Molecular Mycology and Pathogenesis Training Program

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029

CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar with CIFAR's Fungal Kingdom: Threats and Opportunities program

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Canada Institute for Advanced Research · 2023 - 2026

Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institute of General Medical Sciences · 2021 - 2026

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Education, Training & Certifications


Emory University · 2006 Ph.D.