GRADUATE STUDENTS

Research Interests

My research focuses on the complex chemosensory systems of Lepidopteran agricultural pests, including Cydia pomonella and Synanthedon myopaeformis. I use molecular and electrophysiological techniques to functional characterize key odorant receptors with the hope of identifying important environmental volatiles. Additionally, I utilize a variety of behavioral assays, including Y-olfactometry, to test and develop attractive toxic sugar bait components for mosquito disease vectors. My overarching goal is to develop more holistic and sustainable methods for arthropod surveillance and control.

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 are the deadliest animal on earth, and my primary concern is to limit their ability to spread disease. I have focused my efforts on understanding mosquito olfaction at the molecular level and in identifying mosquitocidal compounds. While our lab studies many aspects of mosquito olfaction, I focus on the first step, which is transport of odorants by odorant binding proteins (OBPs) to the sensory neurons, where they are recognized by ligand gated ion channels. My goal is to better understand these proteins by examining their role in the maxillary palps of different mosquito species. Additionally, I work to identify novel insecticidal toxins by testing compounds that are generally regarded as safe (GRAS) for mosquitocidal activity. Understanding mosquito olfaction can lead to abrogating host-seeking behaviors, while development of novel insecticides can help us control vector populations.

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

My research is currently focused on studying chemosensory carboxylic acid receptors in several prominent mosquito disease vectors, such as those from the Aedes and Culex genera. I will be applying that knowledge to study chemosensory neurobiology in less-studied arthropod disease vectors such as Siphonapterans, with particular focus on those with the ability to transmit plague. I am also hoping to contribute to knowledge on the distribution and spread of prominent and less- studied disease vectors in and around Texas.