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.