Jake Zina

Jake Zina received his undergraduate Biology degree at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2017 where he started working in the Clark Lab. Jake focused his entomological work on ectoparasites, mainly head lice (Pediculus humanus capitus), body lice (Pediculus humanus humanus), and bed bugs (Cimex lectularius). Aside from his interest in understanding the effects of knock-down resistance across head and body lice, environmental toxicology studies, and multiple insecticide application projects in these ectoparasites – Jake also managed to get involved in research pertaining to fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster). This work involved studying DDT-resistant fly strains and the identification of components (cuticular penetration, cytochrome P-450 detoxification, glutathione S-transferases, etc.) and their interplay in conferring resistance via RNAi approaches. Jake is now a candidate for a Masters degree in the Graduate Program in Animal Biotech & Biomedical Sciences. His main work focuses on vector competence and studying the comparison of immune responses between body and head lice following Bartonella quintana infection. His supplementary research looks into both the functional properties of ABC transporters and the effects of neurotoxicants on endogenous voltage-sensitive ion channels in rat brain neurolemma. Once Jake has finished earning his MS degree, he aims to translate his skills to clinical research and eventually pursue a career in healthcare with his strong desire to help patients. Publications • Kim, J. H., Moreau, J. A., Zina, J. M., Mazgaeen, L., Yoon, K. S., Pittendrigh, B. R., Clark, J. M. (2018). Identification and interaction of multiple genes resulting in DDT resistance in the 91-R strain of Drosophila melanogaster by RNAi approaches. Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, 151, 90-99.