Laboratory of Chemical Ecology
Welcome
Welcome to the Dweck lab in the Department of Entomology at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), where we explore the fascinating world of insect chemosensory systems and their adaptations. Our lab aims to uncover the mechanisms underlying chemosensory adaptations, using the global fruit pest Drosophila suzukii (commonly known as the Spotted Wing Drosophila, SWD) as a model. Ultimately, this work will lead to the development of cutting-edge chemical and molecular strategies to enhance the detection and management of this serious pest.
Techniques
To address our Research questions, we employ a multidisciplinary approach, including:
Chemical analysis (e.g. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS))
Electrophysiology (e.g., Single Sensillum Recording (SSR))
Behavioral analysis
Genetics
Molecular biology
Bioinformatics
Gene editing (e.g., CRISPR)
Backfill and immunostaining
News
*December 5, 2024, a new protocol for single sensillum recording is out in STAR Protocol
*October 4, 2024, Raghav, our very talented high school student, was selected to be the Town Board of Education Student Representative!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*September 4, 2024, Hany received the CAES BOC Recognition Award for Innovation!!!!!!!!
*July 17, 2024, Raghav Bharadwaj, a high school student, joined our lab. Welcome, Raghav!
*June 3, 2024, Luke McNeil joined our lab. Welcome, Luke!
*March 27, 2024, a new paper on spotted lanternflies (cover of the issue) is out in Open Biology.
*March 5, 2024, Qi Xue, Ph.D. , a Postdoctoral Scientist, joined our lab.
*March 1, 2024, a new method paper is out in the JoVE Journal.
*February 22, 2024, Kazi-Sifat Hasan, a Master student from the University of Bridgeport joined our lab.