Research focus
Current project at Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences:
My current project was a funded EU project through Horizon 2020, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowship. This project involves portions of PhD research and previous postdoc but focusing on expanding my skill sets to include elements of analytical chemistry and molecular techniques via designing eDNA assays. Postdoc project at Rutgers University: Implementing and improving early detection of invasive forest pests using terrestrial environmental DNA (eDNA). I previously worked as postdoc at the Lockwood lab at Rutgers University using eDNA to detect spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula, SLF) in vineyards and forests in Northeastern United States. We worked on comparing this new technique to convention detection methods, like banding trees and visual surveys. There is also on going efforts to improve the field protocols reduce the amount of time and effort required for collection of these genetic samples. Additionally, we are developing novel ways to collect eDNA from plant tissues to detect the presence of more rare or cryptic species that are difficult to find internally feeding insects like woodborers. |
Valentin, Rafael E., Dina M. Fonseca, Anne L. Nielsen, Tracy C. Leskey, and Julie L. Lockwood. "Early detection of invasive exotic insect infestations using eDNA from crop surfaces." Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 16, no. 5 (2018): 265-270.
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Past Research:
Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) has been a major portion of my previous research. This insect is one of the most destructive forest pests in North American and kills most ash trees. In 2014, my PhD adviser Don Cipollini found a novel host for EAB, white fringetree (Chionathus virginicus) a close relative of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.). My research involved determining the impact of EAB on this novel tree host and whether this insect has the ability to fully use white fringetree for its entire life cycle, which has implications of potential host switching. I found that larvae develop slower on this host which partially explains why white fringetree is impacted less. Adults have little impact from the consumption of leaves, but they are able to utilize this host with no apparent fitness lost. I conducted similar bioassays on cultivated olive (Olea europaea) since this plant species is within the same plant family, Oleaceae and is of economic importance. Larvae can develop to adulthood on olive, but failed to survive on young olive trees. |