Theses and Dissertations

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8000-4596

Advisor

Hoffmann, Federico

Committee Member

Meyer, Florencia

Committee Member

Goût, Jean-François

Date of Degree

5-15-2026

Original embargo terms

Visible MSU Only 2 Years

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Campus Access Only

Major

Computational Engineering

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

Office of Academic Affairs

Department

Computational Engineering Program

Abstract

Advances in genomics and bioinformatics have enabled rapid, large-scale analysis of genetic data, transforming research into evolution and applied biology. Arthropods, given their industrial, agricultural, and medical importance, provide ideal systems for such studies. This thesis applies genomic approaches to three distinct arthropod systems. First, transcriptomic analysis of the ham mite (Tyrophagus putrescentiae) exposed to propylene glycol suggests that propylene glycol acts to deter mites instead of being toxic to them. Second, comparison of healthy and diseased tropical house crickets (Gryllodes sigillatus) reveals significant differences in host immune gene expression and consistent high expression of a viral gene across almost all individuals. Third, analyses of biting and non-biting mosquitoes identify convergent loss of gene families related to host-seeking, some evidence of relaxed selection, and shifts in female gene expression toward male-like patterns in non-biting mosquitoes. Together, these findings highlight the power of genomics to address industrial, agricultural, and evolutionary questions.

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