Dr. Priyanka Mittapelly

Research Interests - Molecular biology, biotechnology, functional studies, RNA interference, plant-insect/ insect-microbe interactions, insect physiology, insect-vector biology, metatranscriptome, microbiome studies, insect rearing and artificial diets. My doctoral research focused on molecular interactions of stink bug with its bacterial endosymbiont and their role in nutrient provisioning. I have experience with plant-insect and insect-microbe interactions and have used molecular tools such as RNA-Seq, metabolomics, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry and RNA interference to better understand these interactions. My work during graduate school also included field experiments for three consecutive years. I have collaborated with faculty, postdocs, graduate students and technicians on multiple projects, which resulted in several publications. I would like to continue to pursue my interests in plant-insect, insect-microbe, vector-virus interactions focusing on both basic and applied research at molecular level. My current postdoctoral work at USDA APHIS PPQ in Michigan will be on the development of artificial diets for emerald ash borer larvae. My work will specifically be on mass production of EAB on artificial diets and being able to parasitize the EAB larvae in the diet using different parasitoids. I enjoy working in a team-based environment. I'm looking for opportunities in industrial/academic setting where my skills would be well applied.