Research OKR

Gavin Geddes (Term: Spring 2026)

O: Characterize how seasonal photoperiod modulates circadian system dynamics in Culex pipiens and Culexquinquefasciatus

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 follicle cell measurements and activity monitoring of Culex pipiens and Culex quinquefasciatus reared under 9:15 LD, and 15:9 LD.  

R3: Complete timeseries IHC of neuropeptide PDF at ZT1, 9, and 16 in Culex pipiens and Culex quinquefasciatus reared under 9:15 LD and 15:9 LD. 

Bonus KR: Complete preliminary exams. 

Moumita Jhara (Term: Spring 2026)

O: Epigenetic Profiling of Histone Acetylation Marks in Metabolic and Reproductive Tissues Across Diapause and Non-Diapause States in Culex pipiens

KR1: Collect ovary and fat body tissues from diapausing and non-diapausing Culex pipiens females, extract histone, and optimize Western blot conditions to validate antibody specificity for ovary and fat body tissue to generate preliminary data for comparative epigenetic analyses between ovarian and fat body tissues.

KR2: 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 H3K27ac.

KR3: Prepare comprehensively for the Ph.D. pre-candidacy examination.

Kaylee McKay (Term: Spring 2026)

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.