Kayvan Etebari

Dr. Kayvan Etebari is a Senior Lecturer in Horticulture and Crop Entomology at the University of Queensland's School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability. His research focuses on host-pathogen interactions, insect-specific viruses, and biological control of agricultural pests, particularly in species like the Aedes aegypti mosquito and Oryctes rhinoceros beetle.

• Key research areas include:
  • Host-Pathogen Interaction
  • Entomopathogenic Viruses
  • MicroRNA Regulation
  • Biosecurity Strategies
  • Sugarcane Pest Management
  • Vector Competence

His work has led to significant discoveries in viral ecology, including the characterization of novel viruses in Inopus flavus and Oryctes beetles. Recent projects explore Wolbachia-mediated antiviral defense and m6A RNA methylation in mosquitoes. He collaborates with industry partners like Sugar Research Australia and Agrifutures Australia.

Scientific grants include:

• 2024-2026: Global Insights into Pest/Disease Management in Ginger
• 2023-2027: Viruses for Sugarcane Pest Control
• 2020-2021: Novel Insect-Specific Viruses in Pacific Coconut Beetles
• 2014-2017: MicroRNA Manipulation for Insecticide Resistance

Dr. Etebari supervises PhD and honors students on topics like entomopathogenic virus discovery, vector-enabled metagenomics, and mosquito fecundity regulation. He actively promotes sustainable pest management through innovative biocontrol strategies and drone-based surveillance.