O: Integrate circadian gene expression, locomotor activity rhythms, and reprodutive state to characterize differences in functional circadian architecture between diapausing and non-diapausing Culex mosquitoes.
KR1: Complete RT-qPCR timeseries analysis of core clock genes cyc, clk, per, tim, cry1, cry2, pdp1, vrille, and clock output neuropeptide pdf at ZT1, 5, 9, 13, 17, and 21 in Culex pipiens and Culex quinquefasciatus females reared under 9:15 LD & 15:9 LD photoperiods.
KR2: Complete activity monitoring and follicle cell measurement of Culex pipiens (buckeye) and Culex quinquefasciatus (bruiser) reared under 9:15 LD (18°C), 12:12 LD (18°C & 25°C), and 15:9 LD (18°C).
R3: Begin drafting manuscript for publication in Journal of Genes, Brains, and Behavior.
Bonus KR: Complete preliminary exams.
O: Epigenetic Profiling of Histone Acetylation Marks in Metabolic and Reproductive Tissues Across Diapause and Non-Diapause States in Culex pipiens
KR1: Conduct rigorous quantitative and statistical analyses of Western blot data from diapausing and non-diapausing fat body tissues across multiple time points (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 days) to generate publication-ready figures for the histone acetylation marks H3K9ac, H3K27ac, and H4K16ac.
KR2: Collect ovary tissues from diapausing and non-diapausing Culex pipiens females, extract histone, and optimize Western blot conditions to validate antibody specificity for ovary tissue to generate preliminary data for comparative epigenetic analyses between ovarian and fat body tissues.
KR3: Prepare comprehensively for the Ph.D. pre-candidacy examination.
O: miRNA Sequencing of Culex pipiens ovaries and fat bodies in Diapause and Non-Diapause Mosquitoes
KR1: Collect ovary and fat body tissues from diapause and non-diapause mosquitoes and complete RT-qPCR miRNA validation on key miRNAs that are being upregulated during diapause.
KR2: Receive Ixodes scapularis shipment and begin the troubleshooting and optimization of preliminary rearing and blood feeding protocols.
KR3: Begin drafting manuscript on differential expression of miRNA in ovary and fat body tissues between diapausing and non-diapausing Culex pipiens mosquitoes.