Project Description: Insects are the most evolutionarily successful metazoans on the Earth. They constitute the largest class of animals encompassing about 53% of all living species on our planet. Although insects are tiny, their impacts on human affairs are huge. By serving as pollinators to more than 75% of flowering plant species, some insects are essential to our food supply and the maintenance of natural ecosystems. But other insects damage more than 25% of all agricultural, forestry, and livestock production in the U.S., causing our economic loss of more than $30 billion annually. In addition, some insects can carry diseases that lead to hundreds of thousands of people dying yearly. The evolutionary success of insects is largely due to their adaptive capabilities in coping with numerous stresses. Our research is trying to figure out how insects evolve adaptation to these stresses.

If join my lab, undergraduate or high school students would gain well training in knowledge, techniques, and research experience on molecular, biochemistry, and chemistry by participating in one of the following tailored projects. These projects will include: 1) 3-D structural studies of a novel bee detoxification enzyme; 2) enzyme kinetics and substrate spectrum determination. During the program, students will be trained to perform experiments, analyze and interpret their data. They also have opportunities to practice scientific writing and presentation skills.