Andrew Nuss: Insect physiology lab

Andrew NussTitle

Insect physiology lab

Mentor

Andrew Nuss, Ph.D.

Department

Agriculture, Veterinary, and Rangeland Sciences

Biosketch

Nuss is an associate professor of entomology and has studied many different insects and other arthropods throughout his career. His current research interests are focused on the physiology of neurohormonal signaling in insects of agricultural, medical, and veterinary importance. He is particularly interested in peptide hormones and their role in insect behavior, digestion, and nutrient storage. He primarily focuses on physiological functions of peptide hormones, yet an applied aspect of this work includes insecticide discovery by targeting peptide receptors. Among many side projects, he is also interested in mosquito olfaction and how we might interfere with host seeking to disrupt pathogen transmission.

Project overview

This project focuses on Lygus hesperus, the western tarnished plant bug, to explore the role of neuroparsin (NP) signaling in carbohydrate storage in the fat body, determine the roles of NP signaling in reproduction, and reveal the dynamics of NP in regulating diapause. Students who join this project will get hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques as well as an introduction to the internal workings of insects.

PACK RESEARCH EXPERIENCE PROGRAM INFORMATION AND APPLICATION