LAB STAFF

Research Interests

My current research focuses on Aedes aegpyti mosquitoes, which are known vectors for viruses such as dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and chikungunya. I have been designing PCR primers for odorant receptor (OR) and ionotropic receptor (IR) protein-coding regions. After testing these amplified DNA segments using TOP10 TOPO cloning procedures, we will use them in an upcoming CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing project to study the effects of these receptors on mosquito behaviors. I am also interested in studying the mating practices of mosquitoes and developing ways to interrupt these processes as a means to control mosquito populations.