Ph.D. Students
Victoria Peechatt
Using a multitrophic framework, I am interested in studying how anthropogenic disturbances are imposing selective pressures on species in the hopes of understanding how they drive evolutionary change. I aim to study the effects of these disruptions on plant-insect-natural enemy interactions, specifically the immune response of lepidopteran species mediated by host plant chemistry. I am also interested in the intersection between academia and the public, and will continue to be an advocate for scientific research and conservation as a citizen of the natural world.
Using a multitrophic framework, I am interested in studying how anthropogenic disturbances are imposing selective pressures on species in the hopes of understanding how they drive evolutionary change. I aim to study the effects of these disruptions on plant-insect-natural enemy interactions, specifically the immune response of lepidopteran species mediated by host plant chemistry. I am also interested in the intersection between academia and the public, and will continue to be an advocate for scientific research and conservation as a citizen of the natural world.
Tara Christensen
I'm broadly interested in interactions between insects and plants, and am currently involved in research investigating insect disease ecology, and multitrophic interactions mediated by plant chemistry. My work with the Smilanich lab includes an experimental investigation into the effects of a native and introduced host plant on the mode and rate of viral transmission of Junonia coenia densovirus (JcDV) in populations of the Baltimore checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton). Along with experimentation, we are using field surveys and modeling approaches to understand how the virus influences wild populations of lepidopterans. In addition to my work with JcDV, I am interested in using network analysis to explore multitrophic interactions between herbivores, host plants, and their pollinators, and looking at patterns of interaction diversity across varying spatial and temporal scales.
I'm broadly interested in interactions between insects and plants, and am currently involved in research investigating insect disease ecology, and multitrophic interactions mediated by plant chemistry. My work with the Smilanich lab includes an experimental investigation into the effects of a native and introduced host plant on the mode and rate of viral transmission of Junonia coenia densovirus (JcDV) in populations of the Baltimore checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton). Along with experimentation, we are using field surveys and modeling approaches to understand how the virus influences wild populations of lepidopterans. In addition to my work with JcDV, I am interested in using network analysis to explore multitrophic interactions between herbivores, host plants, and their pollinators, and looking at patterns of interaction diversity across varying spatial and temporal scales.
Christian Connors
Connecticuter gone Nevadan, in an effort to investigate the connection between the Lepidopteran immune system and parasitoid evolution. I'm interested in a variety of Lepidopteran pathogens, but have an obvious preference for the (very charismatic) Tachinid flies and Braconid wasps. I anticipate using my time at UNR to quantify the different immune-avoidance tactics used by endoparasitic larvae, and how the life histories, systematics, and tritrophic interactions of the Lepidopteran host can directly influence host assessment by adult parasitoids and parasitoid survival.
Connecticuter gone Nevadan, in an effort to investigate the connection between the Lepidopteran immune system and parasitoid evolution. I'm interested in a variety of Lepidopteran pathogens, but have an obvious preference for the (very charismatic) Tachinid flies and Braconid wasps. I anticipate using my time at UNR to quantify the different immune-avoidance tactics used by endoparasitic larvae, and how the life histories, systematics, and tritrophic interactions of the Lepidopteran host can directly influence host assessment by adult parasitoids and parasitoid survival.
Kelli McKeegan (graduated 2024, currently employed for the city of Reno)
A native Nevadan at heart, I am fascinated with the complexities of the unique natural world around the Great Basin. My research interests include local adaptation, host plant differences, and sex effects in the context of disease ecology. I am currently using quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction techniques to detect variation in a generalist lepidopteran virus within and between populations of the Melissa blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa). I intend to explore the importance of certain traits and plasticity in describing intraspecific differences of pathogen behavior. We will also work with collaborators to sequence and compare the viral genome among geographic locations. Additionally, investigating the effect of sex on pathogen resistance will help gain further insight into the phenomena of tradeoffs between reproduction and fitness. Through all of this I hope to answer exciting questions in disease and population ecology in the region.
A native Nevadan at heart, I am fascinated with the complexities of the unique natural world around the Great Basin. My research interests include local adaptation, host plant differences, and sex effects in the context of disease ecology. I am currently using quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction techniques to detect variation in a generalist lepidopteran virus within and between populations of the Melissa blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa). I intend to explore the importance of certain traits and plasticity in describing intraspecific differences of pathogen behavior. We will also work with collaborators to sequence and compare the viral genome among geographic locations. Additionally, investigating the effect of sex on pathogen resistance will help gain further insight into the phenomena of tradeoffs between reproduction and fitness. Through all of this I hope to answer exciting questions in disease and population ecology in the region.
Nadya Muchoney (graduated 2022, currently PRFB postdoc at Emory University)
My research focuses on the evolutionary ecology of plant-insect-natural enemy interactions, with emphases on ecological immunology, plant chemical ecology, and host-pathogen dynamics. Through both laboratory and field-based studies, I aim to examine the intersecting influences of insect behavior, nutrition, physiology, and immunity on patterns of host plant usage and susceptibility to pathogens in natural populations. I am particularly interested in evaluating the role of behavioral immune strategies, including prophylactic and therapeutic self-medication, in mediating resistance and/or tolerance to parasites and pathogens in phytophagous lepidopteran hosts.
My research focuses on the evolutionary ecology of plant-insect-natural enemy interactions, with emphases on ecological immunology, plant chemical ecology, and host-pathogen dynamics. Through both laboratory and field-based studies, I aim to examine the intersecting influences of insect behavior, nutrition, physiology, and immunity on patterns of host plant usage and susceptibility to pathogens in natural populations. I am particularly interested in evaluating the role of behavioral immune strategies, including prophylactic and therapeutic self-medication, in mediating resistance and/or tolerance to parasites and pathogens in phytophagous lepidopteran hosts.
Su'ad Yoon (graduated 2021, currently postdoc at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology)
The aim of my dissertation research is to determine how immunological, nutritional, and microbial factors mediate novel host use in a specialist insect. Current research in our lab focuses on a Great Basin butterfly (Lycaeides melissa) that suffers reduced performance on a novel, exotic host. We have been using high throughput next-generation Illumina sequencing to describe the gut microbiomes of L. melissa on both the novel and ancestral hosts in order to determine the effects of microbes on immune response. We have also been collaborating with both the Chemistry and Biochemistry departments at UNR in order to quantify the effects of leaf protein and secondary metabolites on L. melissa performance and immune response. The fields of ecological immunology and plant-microbe-insect interactions are both relatively new areas of research, yet they hold great potential to inform our knowledge of coevolution, integrated pest management, and the relationship between the microbiome and human health.
The aim of my dissertation research is to determine how immunological, nutritional, and microbial factors mediate novel host use in a specialist insect. Current research in our lab focuses on a Great Basin butterfly (Lycaeides melissa) that suffers reduced performance on a novel, exotic host. We have been using high throughput next-generation Illumina sequencing to describe the gut microbiomes of L. melissa on both the novel and ancestral hosts in order to determine the effects of microbes on immune response. We have also been collaborating with both the Chemistry and Biochemistry departments at UNR in order to quantify the effects of leaf protein and secondary metabolites on L. melissa performance and immune response. The fields of ecological immunology and plant-microbe-insect interactions are both relatively new areas of research, yet they hold great potential to inform our knowledge of coevolution, integrated pest management, and the relationship between the microbiome and human health.
Masters Students
Carmen Mo (graduated 2018)
I am interested in revealing the intricate cellular mechanisms of invertebrate immunology. Currently, my research aims to shed light upon the insect innate immune responses to pathogens and parasites in conjunction with host plant effects. Insects, particularly lepidopterans, have highly sophisticated immunology that has much to be studied in fine detail at the cellular and biochemical level. I am looking forward to analyze gene expression of immune genes in order to reveal missing components in common protease pathways and inhibition pathways.
I am interested in revealing the intricate cellular mechanisms of invertebrate immunology. Currently, my research aims to shed light upon the insect innate immune responses to pathogens and parasites in conjunction with host plant effects. Insects, particularly lepidopterans, have highly sophisticated immunology that has much to be studied in fine detail at the cellular and biochemical level. I am looking forward to analyze gene expression of immune genes in order to reveal missing components in common protease pathways and inhibition pathways.
Tara C. Langus (graduated 2016)
My research focuses on immune defenses in insects and how those defenses are used against pathogens and parasitoids. My work centers on the Common Buckeye (Junonia ceonia), a specialist herbivore that sequesters natural products (iridoid glycosides) from its host plant . I am also interested in the effects of climate change on the distribution and transmission of infectious disease within Lepidoptera. I love to garden and my other interests include cooking, painting, and sculpture by combining various techniques in welding, woodwork, and glassblowing.
My research focuses on immune defenses in insects and how those defenses are used against pathogens and parasitoids. My work centers on the Common Buckeye (Junonia ceonia), a specialist herbivore that sequesters natural products (iridoid glycosides) from its host plant . I am also interested in the effects of climate change on the distribution and transmission of infectious disease within Lepidoptera. I love to garden and my other interests include cooking, painting, and sculpture by combining various techniques in welding, woodwork, and glassblowing.
Undergraduates
Shahil Pema
Biochemistry; Molecular Microbiology & Immunology
Biochemistry; Molecular Microbiology & Immunology
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Justine Dale
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology |
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Ameen Homayoon
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Lab Alumni
Heather Slinn (currently at University of Guelph)
During my undergrad in the Crutsinger lab I became interested in the effects of a fungal pathogen on tri-trophic interactions on Populus. I’m still fascinated by how plant pathogens as well as fungal endophytes alter tri-trophic interactions. Specifically I want to explore how fungal endophytes influence arthropod communities. Fungal endophytes can have positive, negative and neutral effects on their plant hosts. In fact, a single fungal endophyte can have different effects on its host depending on abiotic conditions. I plan to focus on caterpillars in both Nevada and the tropics to answer questions on these topics. Other exciting research pursuits of mine have been in Patagonia-Argentina looking at the effects of invasive ungulates on plant communities with Mariano Rodriguez-Cabal and Noelia Barrios-Garcia. I also worked in Houston, in the plant-soil microbe lab of Kerri Crawford, who focuses in dune systems and dune restoration.
During my undergrad in the Crutsinger lab I became interested in the effects of a fungal pathogen on tri-trophic interactions on Populus. I’m still fascinated by how plant pathogens as well as fungal endophytes alter tri-trophic interactions. Specifically I want to explore how fungal endophytes influence arthropod communities. Fungal endophytes can have positive, negative and neutral effects on their plant hosts. In fact, a single fungal endophyte can have different effects on its host depending on abiotic conditions. I plan to focus on caterpillars in both Nevada and the tropics to answer questions on these topics. Other exciting research pursuits of mine have been in Patagonia-Argentina looking at the effects of invasive ungulates on plant communities with Mariano Rodriguez-Cabal and Noelia Barrios-Garcia. I also worked in Houston, in the plant-soil microbe lab of Kerri Crawford, who focuses in dune systems and dune restoration.
Josette Medicielo
Biology Major, Honors Program
Biology Major, Honors Program
Camille Adajar
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
Delaney Shield
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
Paul Macaballug
Biology Major
Biology Major
Pornsawan Poopat
Master's 2015
I am fascinated by the chemical ecology and evolution of plant-insect interactions. My research interests are 1) how plant ontogeny and leaf herbivory affect phytochemical diversity, and 2) how diversity in phytochemistry can play a role in multi-trophic interactions. Specifically, I am testing whether or not various chemical profiles from 30 species of plants in the genus Piper will show different effects on a generalist’s fitness and immune response. I hypothesize that Piper species with similar chemical profiles will be more likely to have similar effects on herbivore fitness and immunity than species that are phylogenetically closely related.
Master's 2015
I am fascinated by the chemical ecology and evolution of plant-insect interactions. My research interests are 1) how plant ontogeny and leaf herbivory affect phytochemical diversity, and 2) how diversity in phytochemistry can play a role in multi-trophic interactions. Specifically, I am testing whether or not various chemical profiles from 30 species of plants in the genus Piper will show different effects on a generalist’s fitness and immune response. I hypothesize that Piper species with similar chemical profiles will be more likely to have similar effects on herbivore fitness and immunity than species that are phylogenetically closely related.
Melissa Lachina
Biology Major, REU Summer 2014
Biology Major, REU Summer 2014
Lydia Doan
Neuroscience Major 2015
Neuroscience Major 2015
