Joanne Yew
Professor of Chemical Ecology, Pacific Biosciences Research Center, School of Ocean and Earth Sciences and Technology
Scientific Director, Microbial Genomics and Analytical Laboratory Core Facility
Phone: (808) 206-6202
Email: jyew@hawaii.edu
Web: https://www.yewlab.com/
MY RESEARCH
The overall aim my research is to understand the evolution of pheromones (chemical communication cues). We use the vinegar fly Drosophila as a model system because of its spectacular biodiversity, quantifiable behaviors, and availability of genetic tools. In addition, we apply and develop mass spectrometry-based tools to characterize lipid pheromones.
Our major interests are as followed:
1. Biodiversity of pheromones: characterizing the chemical diversity, function, and biochemical production of lipid pheromones amongst Drosophila species, including native Hawaiian Drosophila
2. Role of chemical communication in social behavior and reproductive physiology
3. Methods for metabolite and lipid analysis: improving mass spectrometry-based methods for detection of chemical signals from biological tissue
4. Characterizing the components and function of the necrobiome in post-mortem tissue
C-MĀIKI SYNERGY
Microbes in the environment provide chemical cues and metabolites that influence the behavior and physiology of plants and animals. Microbe-derived metabolites are an essential component of interspecies interactions that contribute to the health of an ecosystem.
IMPACT TO HAWAII
Our work promotes conservation of native fauna, and increases knowledge of Hawaiian entomology and conservation practices.