James Moloney

IGC FELLOW    |   Global Change Center

Ph.D. Student  •  Biochemistry

Advisor: Chloé Lahondère

Research Interests: Plant and insect interactions, Insect olfaction, Disease vector insect biocontrol

jamesmoloneyvi@vt.edu • LinkedIn

James is a PhD student in Dr. Chloé Lahondère’s lab in the Biochemistry Department. His project aims to develop a plant derived and cost-effective method to control mosquito populations with the ultimate goal of preventing disease. All mosquitoes, regardless of sex or species, require plant sugars for the energy and nutrients they need to reproduce. James’ research focuses on identifying plants that are particularly attractive to mosquitoes and harnessing their qualities to make attractive toxic sugar baits.

James received a BS in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Truman State University, a small liberal arts college in Northeastern Missouri. At Truman State, James worked on research to determine the activation of an electromagnetic-sensitive membrane protein. He also did external internships at Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory in Colorado and at Mountain Lake Biological Station in Virginia where he studied plant-insect interactions. In addition to his research interests, James places an emphasis on mentorship, especially in helping younger students find their place as scientists.