GRADUATE STUDENTS

Research Interests

Mechanical vectors of diseases are not as widely studied as biological. My research is focused on understanding the chemosensory mechanisms employed by the common housefly Musca domestica (a mechanical vector of several bacterial infections) in foraging, oviposition, and reproduction. I study the pheromone Z-9-Tricosene produced by the female housefly to attract the male housefly for mating. I then use molecular methods to characterize the odorant receptors and corresponding binding ligands. Furthermore, I confirm these receptors’ specificity and ligands’ specificity by employing several behavioral assays in Semi-field and laboratory conditions. The goal is to identify newer and safer methods for control and surveillance of this household pest.

Research Interests

Mosquitoes play an important role in our ecosystems. Understanding the sensory-neuronal basis of behaviors in mosquitoes is important for disease management and eradication. My current research focuses on encoding different odorant receptors in Toxorhynchites sp. Moreover, I’m using various mosquito traps for the field survey to explore the local population of mosquitoes and enhance volatile odor blends that are highly attractive for the diverse species of mosquitoes.

Research Interests

I am currently studying olfaction in Aedes mosquitoes through antennal transcriptomics, functional characterization of ionotropic and odorant receptors, and experimenting with high-throughput chemoreceptor deorphanization techniques. I am also investigating the effect of bisphenol derivatives on immune efficacy and development in Aedes mosquitoes.