I obtained my B.S. in Biology and M.S.degree in Genetics from the University of Valencia (Spain). I received my Ph.D. degree in Entomology from the University of Georgia. After appointments in the Department of Entomology and the University of Georgia as Postdoc and later as Assistant Research Scientist, I joined the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology in 2006. I currently hold a Professor appointment in the department and my research and teaching activities concentrate in the areas of Insect Physiology and Molecular Pathology. More specifically, my research interests focus on the insect digestive system as a target for novel bioinsecticides and as a prospecting resource for new enzymes of industrial interest. My expertise is on the mode of action and resistance mechanisms against insecticidal proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). I am also interested in the development of mechanisms of resistance to insecticidal gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi).

I see mentoring students and professionals as one of the most important roles of my position and a way to integrate my teaching and research responsibilities. While at UTIA, I have mentored 7 postdoctoral associates and 13 graduate students, hosted 26 visiting students/scientists, and served in 20 graduate student committees. I highly value diversity in science and take pride in the fact that my laboratory is extremely diverse in gender, cultural and ethnic backgrounds. The majority of my students have been members of STEM-underrepresented groups. My primary teaching responsibility is Insect Physiology.

Research interests focus on the insect digestive system as a target for biological pesticides and prospecting resource for new molecules with biotechnological applications. Projects are grouped into three main research areas: 1) the mode of action of bacterial insecticidal proteins and the resistance mechanisms insects develop against them, 2) development of insecticidal gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi) and mechanisms of resistance to RNAi, and 3) the discovery of insect gut enzymes involved in cellulose degradation for biofuel applications.

Projects on bacterial insecticidal proteins are mostly focused on the mode of action of Cry and Vip insecticidal proteins produced by the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), and on mechanisms and dispersal of insect resistance against Bt pesticides or Bt proteins produced by transgenic crops. Biological models in these projects include devastating pests of diverse crops, such as the fall armyworm, corn earworm, and soybean looper. Information from these projects is critical to the design of improved insecticidal proteins and effective resistance management efforts.

Insecticidal gene silencing through RNA interference (RNAi) is expected to revolutionize insect pest control. My interest in this area is on the development of efficacious RNAi technologies against lepidopteran pests and on resistance mechanisms that insect pests, such as the Colorado potato beetle, evolve against insecticidal RNAi technology.

Another area of research in my group is the characterization of cellulolytic systems in insects as a resource for novel enzymes with application in the lignocellulosic ethanol biofuel industry. Our work has concentrated on basal hexapods as prospecting resource for new cellulases with high activity under stringent conditions for use in biorefineries.

My teaching philosophy is focused on the development of critical thinking through experiential learning. I intend for students that take my course to acquire essential disciplinary knowledge that will allow them to critically examine research data. I use experiential learning activities in relevant areas of role-playing, such as performing a proposal or manuscript peer review. I also provide opportunities for student development of effective communication skills as critical to be competitive in the job market.

EPP 561 – Insect Physiology