Nils Pilotte

Nils Pilotte is an active Assistant Professor of Biology in the Department of Biological Sciences at Quinnipiac University, where he teaches courses including Genetics Lab (BIO 282L) and Research Methods in Biology. His office is located in Buckman Center 144 with mail drop SI-TE1. Dr. Pilotte maintains an active research laboratory focused on molecular approaches to studying parasites that cause neglected tropical diseases.

Education:

• MS, Smith College
• PhD, University of Massachusetts-Amherst
• PhD, College of Our Lady of the Elms

Dr. Pilotte's research focuses on applying molecular tools to study parasites causing neglected tropical diseases, with special emphasis on developing improved diagnostic strategies and understanding repetitive DNA sequences in parasitic organisms. His work bridges laboratory and field-based applications, exploring host-vector relationships and advancing disease monitoring through innovative insect surveillance approaches. His teaching interests include molecular biology, molecular techniques, genetics, parasitology, and tropical disease.

Analysis of Dr. Pilotte's recent publications reveals a strong focus on molecular detection methods for parasitic diseases, particularly filarial infections and soil-transmitted helminths. His work demonstrates expertise in qPCR techniques, xenosurveillance, and diagnostic development for neglected tropical diseases, with significant contributions to understanding Mansonella perstans, Onchocerca volvulus, and Schistosoma japonicum detection.

Scientific Awards:

• Byron Prize recipient at the 2021 University of Massachusetts Amherst Molecular and Cellular Biology Annual Retreat
• Awarded over $180,000 in grants to study parasites that cause neglected tropical diseases

Dr. Pilotte actively mentors students in his research lab, with recent graduates including Anissa Benbrahim (B.S.), Isabelle Miserani (M.S.), David Russell (M.S.), and Gabriel Trajkovic (B.S.). His lab has received funding supporting research on molecular diagnostics for parasitic diseases, including collaborations with Smith College, LSTM, The Wellcome Trust Research Laboratory, and icddr,b in Bangladesh. Current projects include developing CRISPR-Cas12 diagnostics for Ascaris and Necator americanus, and evaluating impacts of improved flooring on soil-transmitted helminth transmission.

The Pilotte Lab, established in Fall 2021, has grown to include research associates like Dr. Megan Fris and Dr. Rachael Sirois, along with numerous undergraduate and graduate students. The lab maintains active collaborations with institutions including Smith College, University of California Berkeley, North Carolina State University, and the Richardson Lab. Dr. Pilotte regularly presents his work at national conferences including the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists and the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.