Chan Heu

Contact Information USDA-ARS  U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center 64 Nowelo St. Hilo, Hawaii 96720  Ph: (808) 959-4322 Fax: (808) 959-5470

Publications

via ARIS System (TBD)

via Google Scholar

Education

• Ph.D.: Entomology, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, 2016
• B. S., B.S.: Animal Biology, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, 2009

Professional Appointments

• I participated in the ORISE postdoctoral fellowship program at the Agriculture Research Service in Maricopa, AZ building foundational knowledge on pests of cotton for the development of genetic biological control.

Research Experience

1) Lygus hesperus is a primary pest of cotton in Arizona. Current control measures rely on the application of two different classes of insecticides. Resistance to insecticides have been documented in localized populations and in closely related species prompting for new control methods. Current improvements are limited to changing agricultural practices and identifying new and effective chemicals. I aimed to build foundational knowledge of L. hesperus development for the purpose of genetic biological control. Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, I characterized the function of genes that may be involve in sexual development and spermatogenesis. These genes may be used for the basis of genetic sterile insect technique.

2) Transgenic crops expressing Bacillus thuringiensis toxins have been extensively used to control pest populations. However, the benefits are diminished by the evolution of practical resistance by agricultural pests. One of these pests is Helicoverpa zea, an important lepidopteran pest of corn and cotton, that has evolved practical resistance to multiple Bt toxins. I used functional genomics to assess the function of genes that may be involved in Bt resistance in H. zea.

3) My research at the Pennsylvania State University was focused on applying gene-editing technology to Bemisia tabaci. I adapted ReMOT Control, a biotechnology tool for gene editing of developing oocytes in mature female insects, to B. tabaci by identifying and designing a peptide that specifically targeted Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complex to the ovaries. I demonstrated the efficiency of this technology by disrupting a gene involved in eye pigmentation.

Service, Leadership and Participation in Professional Activities:

• I'm a current member of the Entomological Society of America

Honors, Awards, Achievements and Recognition:

• Cotton Inc., 2020-2024
• Dove Fellowship: 2010-12