01
Organelle Therapeutics
How lysosome-like organelles, mitochondria, and hydrogenosomes in Toxoplasma gondii and Trichomonads sustain parasite survival, invasion, and dissemination.
Dou Lab · Clemson University
Decoding protozoan pathogens to build the next generation of antiparasitics & vaccines.
We combine molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, infection models, and drug discovery to understand the pathogenesis of Toxoplasma gondii and Histomonas meleagridis.
Now Recruiting
Ph.D. students, 2027 cohort.
Motivated scientists interested in parasite biology, host–pathogen interactions, molecular microbiology, and animal health are encouraged to reach out with a CV and a short statement of interests.
Research
Three questions driving the lab.
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Nutrient Metabolism
How heme, glycolysis, and lactate/pyruvate utilization pathways, along with autophagy-driven uptake of bacteria and starch in Histomonas, drive survival, stress response, and pathogenesis across protozoan parasites.
03
Drug Discovery and Vaccine Development
How drug library screening and surface antigen discovery can uncover treatments and vaccine candidates against Histomonas meleagridis and related protozoan parasites.
18+
Years studying protozoan biology
29+
Peer-reviewed publications
40+
Trainees mentored to date
NIH · USDA · FDA
Funding resources
Lab Culture
Science is better with good company.
Our bench is a hands-on, supportive place. Undergraduates, technicians, graduate students, and postdocs work side by side — troubleshooting experiments, sharing reagents, and celebrating the small wins that add up to discovery.
Meet the team →Contact
Curious about our work, or thinking about joining?
Write directly to Dr. Zhicheng Dou.
Get in touch →