Dr. Chinmay Vijay Tikhee
<b>Department: </b>Biology<br><b>Research Area: </b>Isolation of mosquitocidal bacteria from the environment.
Department: Biology
Research Focus: Isolation of mosquitocidal bacteria from the environment.
Potential Student Project(s):
Mosquitoes spread diseases that affect millions of people worldwide, and current control methods are becoming less effective due to resistance and environmental concerns. This project aims to discover naturally occurring bacteria from the environment that can kill mosquito larvae in a safe and sustainable way. Students will environmental samples from local environments and grow the bacteria found in these samples in the laboratory. These bacteria will then be tested for their ability to kill mosquito larvae. Promising bacteria will be studied further to understand how they affect mosquitoes and whether they could be developed into environment friendly mosquito control tools. This project provides hands-on research experience in microbiology, molecular biology and field research.
Attributes/skills/background sought in undergraduate:
Some microbiology background preferred but not required.
Mentoring Plan:
The student researcher will be closely mentored throughout the project. The student researcher will work 5 h/week on the project including a 1-on-1 interaction with you for at least 1 hour/week, during which progress. The student will be mentored in core concepts and practical skills related to microbiology, entomology, and molecular biology. Before beginning any laboratory work, the student will be trained in laboratory safety, proper use of equipment, and responsible research practices. In addition to faculty mentoring, the student will work with a research technician who will provide day-to-day guidance.
Contact: 765-285-9209, FB 411