Dr Matilda Gikonyo

Matilda is working on comparing different approaches to sequencing the genome of two insect pest species: the aster leafhopper (Macrosteles quadrilineatus) and the cabbage stem flea beetle (Psylliodes chrysocephala). Acquiring the genome of these two insect species will facilitate further research into understanding how these pests can be controlled. Currently, her role involves extracting genetic material from the two insect species as well as analysing and de novo assembling their genome.

Besides her current project, she also assists other scientists within the institute in conducting any molecular biological experiments involving insects as well as the general maintenance of insect colonies within the insectary.