Exploring Host-Pathogen Interactions and Viral Dynamics in Lepidoptera
Mike Boots, Professor
Integrative Biology
Applications for Fall 2024 are closed for this project.
Our research group in the Department of Integrative Biology researches the dynamics of infectious disease evolution and population biology in multiple insect systems, including Lepidopteran hosts (moths and butterflies). We are currently working on two interconnected projects:
The first project investigates host heterogeneity by examining how environmental factors (such as different nutritional food sources) and genetic diversity influence resistance to infectious diseases. Using Plodia interpunctella and its granulosis virus, we test the trade-offs between growth rates and genetic variation under both high and low nutrient conditions. With years of selection experiments behind us, we are now conducting end-of-experiment assays to assess infection resistance. As a research assistant, you will assist a postdoc in performing infection assays and collecting vital data, working closely with two other undergraduate students to understand how these factors interplay to affect disease resistance.
The second project, still in development, focuses on natural viral loads in Lepidoptera populations, with an emphasis on the family Pyralidae. You will help design and implement a year-long study that includes field trips to collect samples, preserve viral material, and conduct viromic analyses in the lab. This work will address key questions in infectious disease evolution and population dynamics, particularly how viral pressures shape host populations over time.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in evolutionary biology and gain hands-on experience in both lab and field settings.
Role: The student will assist with several projects that use experimental evolution techniques to explore how host populations, developed under different conditions (such as inbreeding or varying nutrition during development), differ in their resistance to a species-specific baculovirus. Responsibilities include maintaining moth populations for the experiment (preparing moth food, cleaning pots, and transferring moths to new containers), conducting infection and life history trait assays, and assisting with data entry and basic statistical analysis. The student will gain hands-on experience in experimental design, field work, viromics techniques, and data analysis. Additionally, they will participate in a bi-monthly journal club to enhance their understanding of relevant scientific literature.
Qualifications: The ideal candidate must be highly reliable and well-organized. Independence and strong communication skills are essential. We value curiosity and enthusiasm for biotic interactions, infectious disease, natural history, and evolutionary biology. While previous research experience is a plus, it is not required. Preference will be given to students majoring in biology or related fields.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Signe White, Post-Doc
Hours: 9-11 hrs
Biological & Health Sciences