Catteruccia Lab
In the Catteruccia lab, we are motivated by our convinction that no one should suffer from malaria and other vector-borne diseases. We conduct rigorous science to advance this common goal, while fostering a safe and vibrant environment of intellectual curiosity, collaboration, equity, and inclusivity where any form of discrimination is wholly rejected.
651 Huntington Avenue
FXB Building, 3rd floor
Boston, MA 02115
Our Team
Flaminia Catteruccia
Professor Catteruccia earned a bachelor’s degree in Organic Chemistry from the University of Rome La Sapienza in Italy and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics from Imperial College London in the UK, where she achieved the first genetic manipulation of Anopheles. She has made unique and fundamental contributions to the field of mosquito research in the area of developing transformative genetic tools, and by applying these tools to the study of mosquito mating behavior and reproductive biology. Her studies at Harvard are expanding our understanding of the biology of Plasmodium parasite transmission by the Anopheles mosquito and are leading to the generation of novel tools to aid malaria elimination. Her work has a strong field component in a number of African countries to confirm and expand the laboratory findings of her research group. Between 2006 and 2011 Professor Catteruccia held a Medical Research Council Career Development fellowship at Imperial College London. In recognition for her contributions and potential, Professor Catteruccia was awarded the prestigious Faculty Scholar Award jointly sponsored by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. In 2022 she was nominated a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and in April 2024 was elected as a member of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS).
Researchers
Jamie provides experimental assistance to different research projects taking place in the laboratory.
John provides experimental assistance to different research projects taking place in the laboratory.
Rini provides experimental assistance to different research projects taking place in the laboratory.
Rob is investigating physiological interactions between reproduction in Anopheles mosquitoes and the survival and development of Plasmodium parasites.
Naresh applies his expertise in Plasmodium falciparum culturing and infection of mosquitoes to the benefit of the different research projects taking place in the laboratory.
Aaron works for the Harvard Chan Arthropod Containment Facility, while also providing experimental assistance to different research projects taking place in the laboratory.
Postdoctoral Fellows
Kelsey investigates the impact of insecticide resistance on the Anopheles mosquito mating behavior and malaria vectorial capacity.
Emre investigates the role of Juvenile Hormone in mediating mosquito tissue development during the adult post-eclosion phase. He is interested in understanding how the mosquito maturation process impacts reproduction, immunity and behavioral processes for the advancement of a novel mosquito control tool.
Federico’s research focuses on the discovery of new anti-malarial drugs and new malaria transmission blocking interventions.
Elaine is interested in studying how the mosquito microbiome can affect Anopheles vector competence and fecundity.
Lisa is interested in Plasmodium sporozoites biology, in particular their interaction with both mosquito and human hosts as well as the determinants in human infection.
Shifan investigates the signaling transduction of mosquito steroid hormones and the mechanism for tolerating malaria parasites.
Yan investigates the mechanism regulating the trade-offs between mosquito reproduction and immunity. She is interested in how these trade-offs affect malaria parasite development and transmission
Students
Esrah is interested in studying the basic biology of mosquito stage Plasmodium falciparum in order to identify novel targets that inhibit parasite development.
Malhar is interested in studying the transition of Plasmodium falciparum parasites from the mosquito to the human host and investigating the liver stage biology of the parasite in vitro.
Yulian is particularly interested in the role of nutrients in mosquitos that favor the growth of Plasmodium falciparum. He is also interested in novel vector-parasite interactions occurring between Rhodnius prolixus and Trypanosoma spp.
Alli is interested in identifying and characterizing mosquito stage Plasmodium targets that are particularly vulnerable to transmission blocking strategies.
Bailey is interested in mosquito sensory systems and their role in reproduction and vectorial capacity. She is also interested in how insect repellents impact mosquito biology.
Staff & Lab Management
BlakeLee provides administrative assistance and support to Prof. Catteruccia and her lab. She also acts as a liaison between Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Harvard T.H. Chan School.
Emily provides managerial support to the research performed in the laboratory.
Kate oversees the Harvard Chan Arthropod Containment Facility and provides biosafety and administrative assistance to different research projects taking place in the laboratory.
Cam works as an Insectary Technician, with work primarily consisting of monitoring and maintaining mosquito colonies for the purpose of research projects conducted in the lab.