Emily Burke

Entered the Program: Fall 2021

Research Advisor: Todd Schlenke

Research Topic: Host-Parasite Interactions and Immunogenetics

Research Interests: Evolved interactions between insect hosts and their natural parasites. Historically, the term "acquired immunity" has been restricted to vertebrate antibody-mediated responses. However, recent evidence shows that insect "innate immunity" may have similar characteristics in terms of memory and specificity of pathogen encounters. Aims to investigate how the innate immune system of Drosophila melanogaster responds to pathogens, and the mechanisms that may mediate "immune priming".