Project:

Identification of Different Mosquito Species Across Long Island, New York using DNA Barcoding

Students:

Adnan Adzemovic, Barbara Benitez, Rose Tursi, Michelle Pinilla

School:

Glen Cove High School,

Mentors:

Kerry Bunyan

Abstract:

Mosquitoes can transmit many infectious pathogens, therefore they are considered disease vectors and can be harmful to the environment. For our project we are looking to collect samples of different mosquito species and identify them using DNA barcoding, specifically amplifying the COI gene.. We will use microscopes to document each sample and record the phenotype, noting any colors, or stripes that may be distinguishing features for specific species. After DNA barcoding, we will use DNA subway to ensure we identify each mosquito species correctly. Each mosquito species obtained will be researched to see if that particular species can be a vector for disease, and if so, specifically which disease. This investigation will help us determine what mosquitoes are found in our area and what potential diseases they can carry.

Poster:

Team samples: