Biography
Ilona Flis received her MSc in Biology from the Jagiellonian University, Poland, in 2010 and an MSc by Research in Zoology from the University of Oxford in 2017. Prior to joining Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine in 2024, she performed and supported studies looking into understanding the population ecology of the Carpathian newt (Lissotriton montandoni), the behaviour and evolutionary genetics of Drosophila melanogaster, as well as anthelmintic resistance in parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus supported by research on the nematode C. elegans. In addition, Ilona’s previous research experience involved work on the ecological role and evolutionary origin of psychedelic compounds in nature, and research on mosquito genome modifications for the purpose of population control.
Research interests
Ilona’s research interests are embedded in a range of biological fields, such as molecular ecology, genetics, synthetic biology, animal behaviour and evolution. In her role at LSTM, she supports research led by Dr Naomi Dyer that aims to produce a gene expression atlas of the renal system of the malaria transmitting mosquito Anopheles gambiae. These studies, using high throughput methods at the single cell resolution, aim to identify changes in regulatory DNA that enable malarial mosquitoes to survive insecticides. Information obtained through this research will not only enable identification of molecular markers for resistance surveillance but also new mosquito targets for effective control strategies.
Selected research publications
Genomic landscape of drug response reveals mediators of anthelmintic resistance – Journal: Cell Reports – Published: 18th October 2022
Targeting female flight for genetic control of mosquitoes – Journal: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases – Published: 1st December 2020
CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in the West Nile Virus vector, Culex quinquefasciatus Say – Journal: PLoS ONE – Published: 1st November 2019
Genome-wide sexually antagonistic variants reveal long-standing constraints on sexual dimorphism in fruit flies – Journal: PLoS Biology – Published: 1st January 2019
Whole genome resequencing of a laboratory-adapted Drosophila melanogaster population sample – Journal: F1000Research – Published: 22nd December 2016
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