Mechanisms mediating the interactions between insects and plant-derived toxins.
Carolina Reisenman, Associate Researcher
Molecular and Cell Biology
Applications for Spring 2025 are closed for this project.
Plants produce many toxic compounds as defense against insect herbivory. Many insects have therefore developed adaptations to counteract the negative effects of toxic compounds. Indeed, some species evolved mechanisms that allow them to use these toxic hosts as private niches, avoiding competition with other insects. In this project the student will use the powerhouse fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, to study how flies detect toxic compounds; in particular, the student will investigate the taste mechanisms and circuits involved in the detection of secondary metabolites produced by certain mushrooms.
Role: This project uses behavioral methods to study fly taste and feeding responses. The student/s will learn how to rear and sort flies, learn fly genetics, fly husbandry, laboratory methods, conduct behavioral experiments, and collect and analyze data. The experiments will be conducted in the laboratory of Dr. Noah Whiteman, under the supervision and direction of Dr. Carolina Reisenman.
Qualifications: Qualifications: Introductory biology; general chemistry highly desirable.
The student/s should be curious, highly motivated and have a responsible attitude in the lab. The student is also expected to be interested in reading research articles, maintain a well-organized research notebook and write down protocols. A positive attitude is a must!
The student should be available 8-10 hours during weekdays, and 2-3 hours (or more if case of scheduling conflicts during weekdays) during weekends. Please refrain from applying if you can't commit to 2 hours of work at least some weekends.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Dr. Carolina Reisenman , Staff Researcher
Hours: 9-11 hrs
Related website: https://whitemanlab.org/
Biological & Health Sciences