I’m interested in all things insects! As a kid I frequently enjoyed catching and collecting all sorts of bugs around my neighbourhood. Fast forward to present-day and I’m still just as passionate about insects, albeit from a more scientific and analytical perspective. I’ve now become curious as to how we manage insects (either invasive or as an economic problem) and how these management techniques can impact the insect and host-plant dynamic. Much of these management strategies stem from pathogens (i.e. Biological Control), which occur and infect insects in nature at varying levels.
My research is in the proposal stage, the full scope of which is looking at viral resistance in insects in a tri-trophic context. The interaction between insect pathogens and insects can be affected by the associated host-plant. Nutritional value and chemical composition vary inter- and intra-specifically in plants, thus resulting in changes in the relationship of the pathogen-insect connected to the plant. Based on prior research of Cory Lab members, I will be looking at how plant chemical composition affects this pathogen-insect interaction. Specifically, how secondary plant metabolites affect viral resistance in Lepidoptera (moths & butterflies).
My study organism is the Cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni) and I'll be testing how the chemicals plants use for defence will affect its transgenerational resistance to a group of insect-specific viruses, called nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV). The Cabbage looper is a serious pest in Canadian greenhouses, due to its wide host range and resistance to the Bt bacteria (commonly used bio-control agent). Focusing on its ecology and the complexity of its interactions, we can begin to think of novel and effective methods of control.
Research Goals
My ultimate goal is to contribute to the field of pest management, as well as adding to our knowledge of insect ecology. Short term goals are to 1) establish a proof of concept for plant chemicals affecting disease resistance in the next generation, 2) determine if this relationship is epigenetically linked, 3) observe the impact of transgenerational disease resistance at a population level.
Current Institution Master in Pest Management Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC Supervisor: Dr. Jenny Cory
Previous Education Bachelor in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences McGill University, Montreal, Qc