Research
Our Research Focus
Our lab investigates the fascinating interactions between insects and microbes, with the goal of understanding biology at a fundamental level and applying this knowledge to real-world challenges in vector control, agriculture, and public health.
Microbiomes & Insect Biology
Bugs living inside bugs.
We study how microbial communities shape insect development, insecticide resistance,
immunity, and vector competence. A particular focus is on the mosquito microbiome, but we
also explore other medically important insects as well as agricultural and urban pests, uncovering
how microbes influence these hosts.
Did you know?
- Bugs live inside bugs countless microbes make their homes inside insects, shaping how they grow, survive, and interact with their environment.
- Mosquitoes rely on their microbiome for normal development; larvae raised without microbes often fail to grow or survive.
- Microbes in the insect gut can make mosquitoes more or less likely to transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue, or Zika.
- Some beneficial microbes naturally provide protection against pesticides, helping insects evolve insecticide resistance.
- Understanding insect microbiomes not only teaches us about host biology but also opens new tools for pest and disease control.
Role of Bacteriophages in Insect Biology
Viruses that hunt the bacteria inside bugs.
We are studying the role of bacteriophages in insect biology and pioneering the use of phages to
modulate insect microbiota, enabling precision microbiome engineering for eco-friendly pest
control
Did you know?
- Phages are the most abundant biological entities on Earth, with an estimated 10³¹ phage particles, outnumbering every other organism combined.
- Insects are among the most diverse and numerous animals on the planet, making up over 80% of all known animal species.
- Phages don’t infect insects directly, they infect the bacteria living inside insects, creating a hidden layer of microbial warfare.
- By harnessing this interaction, scientists can potentially re-engineer insect microbiomes for sustainable pest management.
Microbial Biopesticides & Resistance Management
Fighting pests with microbes, not chemicals.
Our lab is developing novel eco-friendly microbial biopesticides as sustainable alternatives for
medical, agricultural, and urban insect control. By harnessing microbes, we aim to address the
growing challenge of pesticide resistance while reducing reliance on chemical insecticides.
Did you know?
- Many chemical insecticides are losing effectiveness — some mosquito populations have developed resistance to nearly every major class of insecticide.
- Microbial biopesticides use natural bacteria, fungi, or viruses to target pests without harming humans, wildlife, or beneficial insects.
- Some microbes can work synergistically with existing insecticides, restoring effectiveness even against resistant pests.
- Eco-friendly microbial control strategies can reduce pesticide overuse, protecting both public health and the environment.
- The U.S. EPA has already approved dozens of microbial biopesticides, and research continues to expand their role in modern pest management.