Research Interests
Aedes aegypti Aedes aegypti is the primary vector for Dengue and Yellow Fever, and a secondary vector for other arboviruses including the recently endemic Chikungunya. Our work with Aedes aegypti aims to tease apart mechanisms of vector competence which directly affect insect mediated immune responses. Specifically we focus on the interplay between dengue viruses and the mosquito midgut using a variety of classic immunology and newer molecular biology tools. We also complete anti-microbial peptide work, aimed at isolating immune peptides from Ae. aegypti in attempts to create novel human anti-biotics. |
Rhodnius prolixus Another model we use is the kissing bug, Rhodnius prolixus, the vector for Chagas disease in Latin America. Unlike in mosquitoes, the parasites, Trypanosoma cruzi, never leave the insect gut. Instead, as the insect feeds, it defecates, and fecal material containing parasites gets rubbed into the feeding site. This is an inefficient but effective means of transmission. We investigate the immune peptides expressed in the overall body cavity of these triatomes, behavioral changes based on pathogen presence, as well as potential insect olfactory attractants. |
Musca domestica The house fly Musca domestica is a well-established mechanical vector of a variety of human pathogens including hepatitis, cholera, typhoid, E. Coli, Campylobacter, poliomyelitis, Giardia lamblia cysts, and helminth eggs. Our lab studies the interaction between M. domestica and Campylobacter, focusing on pathogen transfer ability, viability and infectivity. |
Research Facilities
High performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) | Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) machine| Nanoinjector| High quality stereo and dissecting microscopes | Isolated insectary | Spectrometers| Micro-plate reader | Speed-vac | Vacuum Pressure Systems | Growth chambers | Bioinformatics Processing