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Mr Josh Braithwaite
PhD Student

Research area(s)

My research project investigates how the larvae of the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) can consume plastics. I have been measuring physiological changes in response to plastic-rich diets from the larvae, and if these plastic-rich diets cause developmental changes as the larvae undergoes metamorphosis. The larvae will also be analysed using an LC-MS/MS approach to indicate potential incorporation of plastic into larval biomass, and measure changes in key metabolic pathways relating to central carbon metabolism. I am also using histology to track effects of plastic consumption on larval organs.

Supervisory Team - Dr Thomas Miller, Brunel University (Primary Supervisor); Professor Ronan McCarthy, Southampton University; Dr Eleni Iacovidou, Brunel University.

Research Interests

  • Applied Entomology
  • Insect Husbandry
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Metabolomics
  • Pest Management
  • Novel Solutions to plastic recycling