Project:

Mosquito DNA Barcoding

Students:

Arjuna Kirupakaran, Luke Nache, Brandon Krutys, Fernandez Amiram Jimmy Cameau

School:

West Babylon Senior High School, Suffolk

Mentors:

Andrea Durbin

Abstract:

In Long Island, the most common species of mosquito are the Northern House Mosquito (Culex pipiens) and the Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus). The Cattail Mosquito (Coquillettidia perturbans) is also common and has been documented in all continents except Antarctica. Coquillettidia perturbans are known for carrying the West Nile Virus and EEE. While individuals in the species Coquillettidia perturbans' appearances are similar, they display polymorphisms in their DNA. To properly identify the mosquitoes, we must extract the DNA. After this, we will use a PCR to amplify/copy DNA, and then be sent to a company where it will be sequenced and put through a computer to properly distinguish genetic polymorphisms within the species.

Poster:

Team samples: