Why study the microorganisms living in insects?

Symbiotic microorganisms have major effects on their host nutrition and susceptibility to disease and toxins.  As part of U.T. Austin's Freshman Research Initiative, students in this lab explore the gut microbiota and pathogens of insects to understand how they affect the health and function of their hosts. An emphasis is be placed on ecologically important insects such as honey bees and other pollinators. These are of current interest due to their roles in agricultural and natural systems and to their widespread population declines. We focus on local Texan bees and wasps because they are abundant and biologically diverse. Different species can have different diets, social structure, and nesting habitats. All these can influence the microbes they associate with, as well as many other ecological factors.

Where are we located?

The research for the stream is conducted in a molecular lab located the Brackenridge Field Laboratory (BFL), about 20 minutes away from the main campus.

This is a U.T. field station located near downtown Austin along the Colorado River. The lab is on 82 acres of natural habitat so we can collect from local insects populations as well as keep bee and wasp colonies easily on site.

Students in this stream set aside one or two large blocks of time for research and travel so they can meet the expected 6 hours of research per week. Two CapMetro bus lines (18 and 22) and a U.T. shuttle (663) travel to the lab frequently.