UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Duncan Crosby
Baylor University

Undergraduate Student

Biography:

I am currently working on increasing the efficiency of genetic engineering in Aedes aegypti by utilizing electroporation instead of the current method of microinjections. By increasing efficiency, we can more easily create genetically modified mosquitoes to understand how sensory receptors and other genes affect mosquitoes’ behavioral output. Along those same lines, I am also knocking out certain sensory receptors to see how they affect host-seeking behaviors in Aedes aegypti through olfactometry. By knocking out receptors, we can find out which odors mosquitoes use the most to detect humans and create genetically modified mosquitoes that bite humans less.

Ava Miller
Baylor University

Undergraduate Student

Biography:

I am an undergraduate researcher majoring in biology and theology with the hope of going to graduate school to study medical entomology. I am from Albuquerque, New Mexico and when I am not studying, I enjoy running and exploring the hidden gems around Waco.

In the Pitt’s lab I am interested in studying the effects of wingbeat frequencies of Aedes
mosquitoes. During mating, male mosquitoes especially utilize their Johnston’s organ and
plumose antennae to detect specific vibrations and frequencies of female mates within the same species. I am interested in studying the effects of disrupting these frequencies and how this might affect mating.

Caleb Hemphill
Baylor University

Undergraduate Student

Biography: