People

Bianca Henriques-Santos, D.Sc.
Assistant Research Scientist (2022-current)

Dr. Henriques-Santos’ early work focused mainly on insect digestive physiology, specially peptidase kinetics, activity and expression. Her current research involves G protein-coupled receptors, focusing on mosquito behavior and neuropeptide physiology. This work aims to discover novel ligands of these neuropeptide receptors, which regulate several aspects of mosquito and tick physiology, as potential pest control tools.

Juan Pedro Wulff
Postdoctoral Research Associate (2021-22, 2025-current)

I hold a B.Sc. in Biology and a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, with more than a decade of research experience focused on molecular biology, physiology and neuropeptidergic signaling in arthropod pests and disease vectors. My research integrates transcriptomics, RNA interference (RNAi), CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, physiological approaches and behavioral assays to identify molecular targets for next-generation pest and vector control strategies.

My early research explored the effects of environmental conditions on foraging behavior in the leaf-cutting ant Acromyrmex lobicornis, followed by doctoral work investigating the neuroendocrine regulation of molting and ecdysis in the Chagas disease vector Rhodnius prolixus. During my Ph.D., I characterized the functional roles of several neuropeptides and their G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) using RNAi-mediated gene silencing, contributing to the understanding of conserved neuroendocrine pathways in hemimetabolous insects. Subsequently, my research expanded into sensory biology and host-seeking behavior in economically important pest species, including the fruit fly Anastrepha fraterculus, the parasitoid wasp Diachasmimorpha longicaudata, and the blowfly Lucilia cuprina. These projects involved transcriptomic characterization of sensory receptor repertoires, identification of candidate genes associated with behavior and physiology, and functional analyses using CRISPR/Cas9 and behavioral assays.

My current research at Texas A&M University focuses on tick physiology and neuropeptidergic signaling in the cattle fever tick Rhipicephalus microplus. Using gene expression analyses, RNAi, ex vivo physiological assays, and protein detection approaches such as immunodetection, I investigate the role of neuropeptide GPCR systems such as leucokinin, pyrokinin, and CAPA signaling in feeding, digestion, reproduction, and homeostasis. The long-term goal of my research is to identify and characterize novel molecular targets for sustainable control of arthropod pests and vectors of medical and veterinary relevance.

Donald Beasley
PhD Student (2025-current)

My research interests focus on characterizing mosquito metabolic constraints and nutritional requirements to identify physiological vulnerabilities that can be exploited to improve vector control efforts. After earning my BS in Entomology from TAMU in 2006, I attended University of California-Riverside and earned a MS in Entomology in 2010 studying the effects of monotypic diets on Anopheles hermsi larval development. In 2012, I received a commission in the US Army as an Entomologist with the current rank of Major. The US Army awarded me a 3-year fellowship to earn a doctorate in preparation for future assignments.

Brayden Bailey
MS Student and Graduate Research Assistant (2025-current)

I am a Graduate Research Assistant in the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University under the mentorship of Dr. Patricia V. Pietrantonio. I earned my B.S. in Forensic & Investigative Sciences and Entomology from Texas A&M University, graduating Summa Cum Laude.

My research integrates insect physiology, toxicology, molecular biology, and biochemistry. I have conducted research on Aedes aegypti mosquitoes investigating neuropeptide signaling and physiological regulation, while my primary research focuses on the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta.

My current projects involves the localization and functional characterization of the prostaglandin E2 receptor (PGE2R) in newly mated fire ant queens, with emphasis on how signaling pathways influence reproduction, immunity, feeding behavior, and colony physiology. Through molecular and physiological approaches, I aim to better understand the mechanisms regulating social insect biology and behavior.