I am an entomologist catered towards the insect order Diptera (flies, mosquitoes, and their cousins). In the Drummond-Barbosa lab, my project characterizes how oogenesis is modulated by temperature in the white-eyed genotype of Drosophila melanogaster. Particularly, my project explores how differences in yolk expression by temperature may be responsible for differential fecundity under heat or cold. I extract and stain fly ovaries, and measure egg production and quality, which includes assessing yolk content. Later in my career, I endeavor to carry methods in tissue quantification and developmental characterization from this model organism into less-researched Diptera, especially those in depleting South American biomes. I hope to cultivate not only research, but also respect for these two-winged insects.
Education
BS Integrative Biology, BA History
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign