Genomics of mosquito populations in space and time – finding optimal control solutions

This project is suited to Honors and Masters students.

BACKGROUND

Dengue and Zika fever are dangerous viral diseases transmitted by the mosquito Aedes aegypti. This mosquito is found around the global tropics, and different parts of the world face different control challenges. In Singapore, this mosquito is generally found in low numbers throughout a year, but there are still regular dengue outbreaks across the country.

In a collaborative work with the Singapore’s Environmental Health Institute, we have obtained an unprecedented mosquito collection that spans multiple locations and time periods, which allows us to use genome-wide sequencing data to understand the changes that mosquito populations undergo under natural conditions (different seasons, extreme weather events) and man‑made suppression.

AIMS

The key objective is to use these vast genomic datasets and computer simulations to determine how effective existing interventions are and which emerging technologies could significantly improve the control of this dangerous mosquito.

SKILLS 

Skills that will be developed: This project entails bioinformatics processing of NGS data and analyses of genome-wide SNP variation from thousands of individually-barcoded and geo-located mosquitoes. You will gain bioinformatics and “big data” management skills, ranging from scripting to streamline data QC, genome alignment, variant and genotype calling, to skills in population-genomic analyses and simulation modelling (in R, Python). You will also have an opportunity to learn molecular biology techniques such as customized Next Generation genome Sequencing. These skills in NGS data generation and analyses are highly transferable and marketable, enabling you to competently enter a competitive job market in biotechnology.