Lab Alumni

Research Interests

My current research focuses on utilizing bioinformatic tools to model protein-ligand interactions in an effort to better our understanding of mosquito olfaction. I am also interested in studying mosquito behavior using olfactometry to test various responses to different stimuli. The combination of behavior and in silico modeling, along with molecular and protein-expression studies, can provide powerful inspiration for ways to potentially control mosquito populations and work towards preventing mosquito-borne illness.

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

Arthropod-borne disease affects millions of people worldwide according to the World Health Organization. Kissing bugs and mosquitoes are two insects that transmit pathogens which produce common arthropod-diseases in South America, namely Chagas and Dengue. The use of insecticides as the only control method has lead to increased resistance to pesticides. Surveillance and/or control methods are important to prevent those diseases. The use of odors for this aim has increased in the last few decades, due to their benefits.

For this reason I started to study the chemical ecology of triatomines (kissing bugs) in my PhD, specifically Triatoma infestans. I did electrophysiological assays in which I used a multichannel recording array to study the olfactory responses in brain neurons. I also designed different traps to capture kissing bugs efficiently using an attractant multimodal lure.

Nowadays, I’m working on electrophysiological and behavioral assays in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. My goal is to find odor receptors that respond to different odors, and then analyze the role of them in the behavior of this species.​

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

Entomology, community ecology, conservation biology, plant-pollinator interactions, global change biology

Research Interests

Mosquito-borne pathogens contribute significantly to the global burden of infectious diseases and are a continuing public health concern in the United States. Currently, our monitoring methods rely heavily on passive surveillance and clinical detection once a pathogen enters human populations. Passive surveillance efforts, however, are often limited in their effectiveness due to budget and logistical constraints, making much of the detection in developing nations rely on clinical manifestation. My research consists of adapting cutting edge passive surveillance techniques which can be affordably fielded to tackle emerging arboviral concerns, while ultimately being adaptable to other much needed entomological detection needs.

Research Interests

Mosquitoes globally, are responsible for the transmission of countless diseases. Country borders and social walls do not deter from finding blood meal hosts in the form of humans, domesticated animals or otherwise. My research involves the study of sophisticated chemosensory receptors that allow mosquitoes to locate blood meal hosts as well as determine sources of plant nectar, resting sites, and suitable oviposition sites by detect important environmental chemical signals. Interfering with chemosensory reception can allow for increased vector surveillance, push-pull vector control, and human personal protection.