People
Chinmay Tikhe, MS, PhD
Principal Investigator
I am an Assistant Professor of Microbiology at Ball State University. My research explores the fascinating world of insect–microbe interactions, with a special focus on mosquitoes and their associated microbiomes. I have pioneered innovative approaches to vector and pest control, including the use of bacteriophages to manipulate insect-associated bacteria and the development of microbial biopesticides as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides.
I earned my Ph.D. in Entomology from Louisiana State University and later worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Research Associate at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. My work spans both fundamental microbiology and applied translational science; from understanding how microbes shape insect biology to creating practical tools for disease and pest management. I have conducted extensive field research in Africa and collaborated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), linking laboratory discoveries to real-world applications in vector control and public health.
I am passionate about teaching, mentoring students, and involving them in hands-on research projects that connect microbiology, entomology, and biotechnology.
Beyond the lab, I am committed to outreach and community engagement, whether through student phage-hunting initiatives, collaborations with public health partners, or the development of microbial solutions to pressing challenges in agriculture and human health.
Sydney Powell
Lab Research Assistant
Biology and Natural Resources Major, Class of 2026
My academic focus intersects microbiology, ecology, and natural resources management. I am particularly interested in how microbial communities shape the health and survival of larger organisms, including insects, and how these interactions can influence ecosystems and disease dynamics. I am also interested in the connections between water quality and microbial diversity, especially in the context of environmental change. My previous experiences include assisting graduate students with ongoing research projects in Dr. Ward’s lab at Ball State, microbial sampling and water quality research on the White River in Muncie, partnering with Muncie wastewater treatment plant to identify microplastic hotspots and support efforts to improve wastewater management, as well as ecological diversity projects in both classroom and field settings. I am excited to explore how studying insect–microbe relationships can contribute to approaches for improving ecosystem and public health.
Outside of academics and research, I enjoy biking, hiking, kayaking, and playing badminton.