RESEARCH |
Forensic Entomology_________________
The study of insect progression of decomposing cadavers to estimate the post mortem interval and its application to law |
Integrated Pest Management___________________
Long-term strategies for the prevention and control of pests |
Forensic Ecology__________________
The study of organismal samples to identify environmental transfers |
Electroantennogram Studies, GC-EAG___________________
The identification and measurement of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) recognized by olfactory stimulation of insects |
Decomposition VOCs and Insect Attraction_____________________
The study of VOCs released during decomposition and the relevant attraction of insects to them |
CURRENT RESEARCH
Low atmosphere climate modeling for forensic investigations – predicting the temperature of decomposing remains
I have been collaborating with Dr. Sean Bohun, UOIT Mathematics Program, analysing weather data provided by Environment Canada in order to develop a model to predict the temperature of a decomposing body. This work is very important to forensic investigations, in particular minimum post-mortem interval calculations using forensic entomological evidence. Undergraduate student, Leanna Calla, was tasked with a portion of this work in Summer 2017. The first mathematical model has been developed replacing the current method used to determine temperature at the scene.
I have been collaborating with Dr. Sean Bohun, UOIT Mathematics Program, analysing weather data provided by Environment Canada in order to develop a model to predict the temperature of a decomposing body. This work is very important to forensic investigations, in particular minimum post-mortem interval calculations using forensic entomological evidence. Undergraduate student, Leanna Calla, was tasked with a portion of this work in Summer 2017. The first mathematical model has been developed replacing the current method used to determine temperature at the scene.
Integrated pest management techniques targeting biting flies of livestock using natural repellents and attractants
Collaborative efforts with Dr. Yuri Bolshan in the field of integrated pest management. Graduate student Alycia Saddler, has discovered a new active compound for the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) instrument coupled with my electroantennogram (EAG) device. Dr. Bolshan’s lab was able to synthesize a new compound so that concentration thresholds for Stomoxys calcitrans could be measured through EAG experiments. We are hoping to find natural repellents and attractants, which can be synthesized, to become more effective in the effort of pest management of biting flies regarding livestock.
Collaborative efforts with Dr. Yuri Bolshan in the field of integrated pest management. Graduate student Alycia Saddler, has discovered a new active compound for the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) instrument coupled with my electroantennogram (EAG) device. Dr. Bolshan’s lab was able to synthesize a new compound so that concentration thresholds for Stomoxys calcitrans could be measured through EAG experiments. We are hoping to find natural repellents and attractants, which can be synthesized, to become more effective in the effort of pest management of biting flies regarding livestock.
Isolation active volatile organic compounds through decomposition to predict the primary and secondary carrion colonisers
Two decomposition studies, using 45kg pigs, have been conducted at the UOIT Forensic Ecology Research facility in order to collect the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with decomposition and conduct an entomological study. PhD candidate, Angela Skopyk, will be conducting a third study during Summer 2018. Currently, the collected VOCs are being analysed and coupled GC-EAG studies will take place in early 2018.
Two decomposition studies, using 45kg pigs, have been conducted at the UOIT Forensic Ecology Research facility in order to collect the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with decomposition and conduct an entomological study. PhD candidate, Angela Skopyk, will be conducting a third study during Summer 2018. Currently, the collected VOCs are being analysed and coupled GC-EAG studies will take place in early 2018.
Comparison of volatile organic compounds from human and pig remains including the isolation of EAG-active compounds of blowflies
As it is not yet possible to conduct decomposition studies using human cadavers in Canada. Angela Skopyk travelled to Sydney, Australia to conduct entomological studies with Dr. Shari Forbes at the Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research (AFTER) at University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). Ms. Skopyk conducted the first forensic entomology study at this facility. VOCs were collected and analysed using GC x GC x TOFS and entomological samples were collected. The VOC samples will be used to conduct coupled GC-EAG experiments in early 2018
As it is not yet possible to conduct decomposition studies using human cadavers in Canada. Angela Skopyk travelled to Sydney, Australia to conduct entomological studies with Dr. Shari Forbes at the Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research (AFTER) at University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). Ms. Skopyk conducted the first forensic entomology study at this facility. VOCs were collected and analysed using GC x GC x TOFS and entomological samples were collected. The VOC samples will be used to conduct coupled GC-EAG experiments in early 2018
Behavioural response of female Phormia regina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) during various stages of reproductive maturity to volatile organic compounds released during decomposition
Using a specially designed hybrid y-tube flight tunnel, behavioural bioassay experiments are conducted using blow fly Phormia regina (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Using this olfactometer, it is possible to evaluate the behavioural response to active compounds previously identified using coupled GC-EAG. Experiments testing decomposition volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are currently under way. Next, we will apply this technique to pest species using VOCs collected from dairy farms.
Using a specially designed hybrid y-tube flight tunnel, behavioural bioassay experiments are conducted using blow fly Phormia regina (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Using this olfactometer, it is possible to evaluate the behavioural response to active compounds previously identified using coupled GC-EAG. Experiments testing decomposition volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are currently under way. Next, we will apply this technique to pest species using VOCs collected from dairy farms.