The primary focus of my research program is elucidate molecular mechanisms involved with vital physiological processes in mosquitoes to facilitate the development of novel mode of action insecticides and repellents that are selective for mosquitoes. I collaborate with chemists to discover and develop chemicals, which are then tested in my laboratory using toxicological and behavioral assays for assessing their insecticidal and repellent activities against mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are the most dangerous animals on the planet because they are vectors of pathogens that cause deadly and debilitating diseases in humans (e.g., malaria, Zika virus, West Nile Virus, Dengue Fever). The primary strategy for controlling these diseases is to prevent mosquitoes from biting humans, which often involves chemical insecticides and/or repellents. However, the overuse of chemicals with limited modes of action has led to the evolution of resistance in mosquitoes. Moreover, many of the existing mosquito control tools are broad spectrum and thereby are toxic to beneficial insects (e.g., honey bees and other pollinators). Thus, novel, environmentally safe chemical tools are needed for improving mosquito control.

https://entomology.osu.edu/our-people/peter-piermarini