Ke Dong

Dr. Ke Dong is a Professor in the Department of Biology within Trinity College of Arts & Sciences at Duke University. Her research focuses on the molecular, neuronal and behavioral bases of insect responses to natural and synthetic neuroactive compounds, particularly pyrethrum and pyrethroid insecticides. She has established herself as a leading researcher in understanding insecticide mechanisms and resistance mechanisms in disease vectors.

Dr. Dong earned her Ph.D. from Cornell University in 1993. Her academic journey has led her to become a prominent figure in entomology and insect toxicology, with specific expertise in molecular mechanisms of insecticide action on voltage-gated sodium channels.

Dr. Dong's research program centers on elucidating the precise mechanisms of action of neuroactive compounds on insect ion channels and receptors, with particular emphasis on how insects develop resistance to these chemicals. Her laboratory employs a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular biology, electrophysiology, and behavioral assays to understand insect responses to various compounds. This work has significant implications for pest control strategies and public health initiatives targeting disease vectors like mosquitoes.

Analysis of Dr. Dong's recent publications reveals a strong focus on mosquito control mechanisms, particularly the molecular basis of repellency and insecticide action. Her work spans from fundamental research on ion channel function to applied studies developing new pest control strategies. Key themes include pyrethroid insecticide mechanisms, sodium channel structure-function relationships, and the development of novel repellents targeting mosquito olfactory systems.

• Mysterious Family of Microbial Proteins Hijack Crops' Cellular Plumbing (September 13, 2023)
• Natural Mosquito Repellent's Powers Finally Decoded (August 1, 2021)
• How One of the Oldest Natural Insecticides Keeps Mosquitoes Away (May 11, 2021)

Dr. Dong has secured significant research funding, including a major grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (2019-2029) for the Duke University Program in Environmental Health, and multiple NIH-funded projects examining insecticide interactions with voltage-gated sodium channels. Her laboratory actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the fields of entomology, toxicology, and molecular biology.

The Dong lab maintains a strong collaborative network with researchers in plant pathology, chemical ecology, and public health, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of her work on insect control and vector-borne disease prevention.