Shannara Smith
Before pursuing this PhD, I obtained a BSc (Hons) in Zoology from the University of Glasgow, with a focus on vector-borne diseases, parasitology, and disease ecology. During my honours project, I examined the relationship between ovine maternal biosolid exposure and offspring gastrointestinal parasite loads as a proxy for immunosuppression. Building on this parasitology focus, I continued my academic career with an MSc in Infection Biology at the University of Glasgow. My master’s project examined the effect of mosquito age on malaria parasite development and transmission using the Anopheles stephensi-Plasmodium berghei model. My time as a member of the Modrzynska lab was exceptionally positive and encouraged me to pursue a research career in parasitology.
My PhD aims to establish a molecular baseline of ageing in Anopheles mosquitoes and examine the molecular dynamics of parasite-mosquito interactions in an ageing vector. Through transcriptomic analysis, I aim to identify how gene expression changes across the lifespan of the mosquito as well as how Plasmodium responds. Furthermore, I will validate the effect of senescence on specific parasite-vector interactions such as midgut integrity, immunocompetence, microbiome dysbiosis, or digestive function. The outcomes of this project have implications for vector control and transmission modelling as well as understanding the impact of senescence on vector competence.
Outside of academia, I enjoy camping, hiking, cooking, reading, and video games. I am also a keen artist, focussing on zoological-style drawings and have illustrated many of my own scientific diagrams.