About Us
Arthropod Population Ecology and Evolution Lab (PI: Yoosook Lee) studies natural populations of arthropod vectors. Population Biology, Ecology and Evolution is particularly critical for disease vectors because, even in a single town, populations with limited gene flow show phenotypic differences important for public health and pest management. We are particularly interested in population divergence, dispersal, genetic variations associated with epidemiologically important phenotypes such as insecticide resistance and pathogen resistance. These aspects are critical in translating basic research of ecology and evolution to applied vector control efforts including the use of genetically altered mosquitoes. Dispersal has particular importance to innovative pest management strategies such as ‘Auto-Dissemination’ or genetically engineered mosquitoes.
Research Topics
- Mosquito population genomics
- Dispersal biology
- Genotype-phenotype-environment interaction
- Hybridization/Introgression
- Immune gene divergence
- Insecticide resistance
Extension Activities
Teaching Interests
- ENY6934: Genetically Modified Insects. (Spring 2023)
- ENY6934: Population Genomics and its applications in Entomology/Nematology (Fall 2024)