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Mite Traps for Model Organism Incubators

This project has been secured to protect intellectual property.

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Project Overview

The presence of Proctolaelaps (mites) can adversely impact entire stocks of Drosophila (fruit flies) which are kept in incubators. Once Proctolaelaps is present in an incubator, the infestation can spread through the incubator and ventilation system to all the vials of Drosophila. Current hygienic techniques and cost-effective cotton plugs for the vials are ineffective at stopping the spread of Proctolaelaps. Pesticides designed to eliminate the Proctolaelaps can also harm the Drosophila, and thus the use of conventional pesticides is not an option. The goal of this project is to physically separate and contain the Proctolaelaps from the Drosophila inside of incubators.

Team Picture

Team members from left to right: Tej Patel, Joaquin Herrera, Greg Zilberg, David Schmidt, Herman Feller IV
Team members from left to right: Tej Patel, Joaquin Herrera, Greg Zilberg, David Schmidt, Herman Feller IV

Contact Information

Team Members

  • David Schmidt - Team Leader
  • Greg Zilberg - Communicator
  • Joaquin Herrera - BSAC
  • Tej Patel - BWIG
  • Herman Feller - BPAG

Advisor and Client

  • Dr. Kris Saha - Advisor
  • Dr. Kate O'Connor-Giles - Client
  • Kevin Eliceiri - Alternate Contact
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