Francisca Esquivel

Currently conducting preliminary analysis of differential RNA extraction in Diorhabda carinulata beetles under the guidance of Dr. Zeynep Ozsoy. Preliminary research was funded by the Saccomanno Internship Program in Biological Research (SIPBR), continued investigation is being funded through the TriBeta Research Foundation Program.

• Main duties include replenishing and maintaining inventory, cleaning, and backroom organization as a task associate.

• Participated in UW-Madison Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP) in Dr. Claire Richardson’s lab. Investigated an unknown mutant gene related to the endo-lysosomal pathway by crossing two C. elegans species.

• Investigated tamarisk beetle (Diorhabda spp.) along the Gila River to determine whether the species found were potentially hybridizing or displaying competitive exclusion. Project was completed under the guidance of both Dr. Amanda Stahlke and Dr. Zeynep Ozsoy. Funding was provided by the non-profit organization RiversEdge West located in Grand Junction Colorado. Funding is sourced by REW and APHIS-USDA.

• Began personal research under Dr. Ozsoy concerning the Coniatus beetles to better understand working in a laboratory environment. Began learning foundational skills needed for conducting research including; DNA extraction for mitochondrial CO1 sequencing, proper PCR techniques, agarose gel usage, and laboratory notebook maintanence.