Endosymbiotic bacteria and vector competence: The effects of harboring spiroplasma on the biology of Anopholes mosquitos

The malaria exploration course will be coordinated with the International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology’s (Icipe) World Malaria Day. The course will commence with an interactive discussion about personal experiences of malaria and thoughts regarding the importance and challenges associated with controlling it. This will be insightful for trainers and help us to establish pre-course levels of understanding and areas of special interest for projects. We will then teach students about the basic biology of malaria and its mosquito vectors. The techniques used to study and control mosquito vectors will be introduced using methods that are fun and interactive. This will be followed by hands on practical demonstrations; how to effectively use mosquito nets and how insecticides are used to control mosquitoes. In addition, we will have scientific demonstrations; how to trap mosquitoes, identify ‘malaria’ mosquitoes and how to assay for microbes. In groups, students will design and carry out research projects (along several general themes). Students will analyze their findings and present at the icipe’s WMD alongside icipe researchers to the general public. The concept is to let students get some first-hand practical scientific experience. By having students present their experience to the general public we will increase the reach of this engagement exercise and hopefully make the scientific experience more ‘relatable’ to the general public.

Project details

Health Systems & Op. Research
Social Science

Apr 2019 — Jan 2020

$14,927

Kenya