Nwamaka Akpodiete | University of Chester

I am an entomologist working to develop innovative approaches integrating molecular biology, genomics, and entomology techniques to provide novel solutions to infectious disease transmission. I am also interested in using environmental DNA (eDNA) sequencing to monitor aquatic insects as indicators of environmental health.

I joined the Biological Sciences Department at Chester University in March 2023 following a post-doctoral position at Target Malaria Consortium based at Keele University. As a post-doctoral research associate, I conducted molecular ecological studies to understand the population dynamics and ecology of the African malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae. I also provided teaching support and training in molecular ecology, ecological statistics, and scientific writing at partner African institutions based in Uganda, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Cabo Verde, Mali, and the UK.

I hold a PhD in Entomology from Keele University, UK. My doctoral research elucidated larval ecological adaptations in the mosquito Anopheles gambiae as a speciation factor. I also investigated the microbial communities associated with their larval media by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene amplicon using Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Additionally, I evaluated the use of ammonia-adsorbing zeolite for improving mosquito rearing for mass-release vector control programmes.

My research interests and experience include studying anthropogenically mediated insect evolution and resultant genotypes by environment interactions in aquatic ecosystems. I am also interested in developing innovative approaches integrating cutting-edge molecular biology, genetics, genomics, and entomology techniques to understand the ecology and physiology of medically and environmentally important insects.

To ensure research output is accessed by the public (important stakeholders) and address societal needs, I actively participate in science communication campaigns promoting malaria research and eradication in Africa.

Optimal student engagement and participation are fundamental to my teaching philosophy, so I keenly employ innovative technologies that improve student engagement and participation in knowledge creation, sharing and embedding. I regularly reflect on my teaching practice to improve student outcomes and experience.

I am the module leader (23/24 session) for Applied Animal Behaviour (BI4154) and MRes Research Dissertation (BI7140). I also teach on the Genetics and Evolution (BI4111) and Research Methods Modules (BI5110).

My interest in entomology started in my final year as an undergraduate when my final year project was on the effects of petroleum by-products (coal tar) on soil microarthropods. I was fascinated by these tiny arthropods’ critical role in soil and plant health.

For my MSc thesis, I surveyed stagnant water bodies in an urban centre for dipteran vectors. The link between human activities, insect adaptation, and infectious disease transmission was interesting, leading to a PhD in medical and molecular entomology. My PhD primarily explored how the change in land use (rice domestication) facilitated ecological speciation in the most efficient vector complex in the world- Anopheles gambiae s.l.

My current research is focused on innovation in vector control and utilising eDNA to monitor aquatic insects that act as indicators of environmental health.

Niang, A., Sawadogo, S. P., Millogo, A. A., Akpodiete, N. O., Dabiré, R. K., Tripet, F., & Diabaté, A. (2021). Entomological baseline data collection and power analyses in preparation of a mosquito swarm-killing intervention in south-western Burkina Faso. Malaria Journal, 20(1), 1-12.

Akpodiete N.O, Tripet F. (2021). Improvement of water quality for mass anopheline rearing: evaluation of the impact of ammonia-capturing zeolite on larval development and adult phenotypic quality. Parasites and Vectors,14:268.

Akpodiete N.O., Tripet F. (2021). Laboratory and microcosm experiments reveal contrasted adaptive responses to ammonia and water mineralisation in aquatic stages of the sibling species Anopheles gambiae s.s. and Anopheles coluzzii. Parasites and Vectors,14:17.

Akpodiete N.O., Diabate A, and Tripet F. (2019). Effect of water source and feed regime on development and phenotypic quality in Anopheles gambiae (s.l.): Prospects for improved mass-rearing techniques towards release programmes. Parasites and Vectors, 12(210).

Okiwelu, S.N., Noutcha, M.A.E., and Akpodiete, N.O. (2015). Current status of Glossina population ecology. Annual Research and Review in Biology, 6(3): 147-155.

PhD-Doctoral

Thesis title: “Larval ecological adaptations, water quality and aquatic bacterial communities in Anopheles gambiae s.l.: prospects for improved rearing techniques towards release programmes.” University of Keele.

FHEA, PGCert in Teaching, Keele University
MSc in Environmental Quality Management, University of Benin
MSc in Entomology and Pest Management, University of Port Harcourt
BSc in Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Port Harcourt

Dr Nwamaka Akpodiete