Patricia Moore

Patricia Moore is a Professor in the Department of Entomology within the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences at the University of Georgia. Her research focuses on evolutionary ecology and developmental biology, particularly examining the role of developmental mechanisms in sexual selection and the evolution of reproductive strategies in insects.

Moore's research integrates statistical, genetic, and behavioral approaches to address the evolution of complex traits, with a current emphasis on gene expression and regulation. Her lab primarily studies the milkweed bug (Oncopeltus fasciatus) and the silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), with a particular focus on understanding the function of the maintenance methyltransferase, DNMT1, in insects. Work from her lab has demonstrated that Dnmt1 expression is essential for gametogenesis in both male and female Oncopeltus, but that the reduction in methylation has no effect on somatic function.

Her research is highly collaborative, working closely with Dr. Allen J. Moore across her career and currently collaborating with Dr. Bob Schmitz in the Department of Genetics. Moore's lab uses a variety of approaches including behavioral observations, cell biology and microscopy, and quantitative genetics to investigate questions in evolutionary ecology and development.

Recent publications indicate a strong focus on DNA methylation, gametogenesis, and reproductive strategies in insects, with particular emphasis on the role of DNMT1 in whiteflies and milkweed bugs. Her work has important implications for understanding epigenetic regulation in insects and potentially for developing novel biocontrol strategies for agricultural pests.

Moore actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, with current lab members including PhD candidate Emily Shelby and others who regularly present their research at national and international conferences. Her lab has recently secured funding through a USDA-ARS Cooperative Agreement for "Managing whiteflies and whitefly-transmitted viruses in vegetable crops in the southeastern U.S."

• Current research focuses on DNMT1 in gametogenesis
• Uses milkweed bug and whitefly as model organisms
• Collaborates with researchers in Genetics department
• Active mentoring of graduate students
• Secured USDA-ARS funding for whitefly research