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Aaron Gross

Associate Professor
  • Toxicology & Physiology

For more information about Aaron Gross and his lab please check out his lab's website www.vtmptl.com

Education

B.S. Biochemistry (2007), St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN, USA

B.S. Biomedical sciences (2007), St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN, USA

M.S. Toxicology (2010), Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Ames, IA, USA

Ph.D. Toxicology (2014), Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Ames, IA, USA

Postdoctoral training: Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

 

 

Professional Memberships

American Chemical Society

Entomological Society of America

Sigma Xi

Society of Vector Ecology

Virginia Mosquito Control Association

ENT 6154 – Insect Physiology and Molecular Biology

ENT 6164 – Insect Toxicology

The goal of the Molecular Physiology and Toxicology Laboratory is to control arthropod pests that have a significant impact on human health, animal health and agriculture.  Research interest focuses on three broad themes:

 

Insecticide/acaricide resistance: A consequence of widespread, and sometimes improper, use of chemical insecticides is the ability of insects to develop resistance to various forms of pesticide chemistry.  My research interests focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms that are involved in insecticide/acaricide resistance with the goal of helping growers, producers, and public health officials make informed pest control decisions.

 

Discovery and mode of action:  Additional research efforts are made in the discovery of novel synthetic and/or natural insecticides/acaricides. Particular research interest focusses on the use of G-Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs), GPCR-related pathways, and ion channels as underutilized targets for insecticide/acaricide development. 

 

Tick-host interaction: Some tick species have significant interactions with their mammalian hosts that can last from hours to days.  My particular research interest focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that are involved in the ability of ticks to evade the mammalian immune response during feeding.

A current list of publications can be found here.