Aaron Pomerantz
apomerantz@ufl.edu
520 NW 52nd Terrace
Gainesville, FL 32607
310-946-4911
Education __________________________________________
University of California, Riverside
Bachelor of Entomology, June, 2012
University of Florida
M.S. of Entomology, expected June 2014
Experience__________________________________________
Course Research under Dr. Joseph Morse
1/20 - 3/19/10
The objective of this research was to determine the reproductive outcomes of Aphytis melinus with
Wolbachia positive (+) and negative (-) mating combinations. This would test to determine a possible
fitness cost to Aphytis having Wolbachia when used as a biological control in the environment. The
hypothesis is that Wolbachia (+) males mated with Wolbachia (-) females produce haploid males and
no females as offspring. This outcome could pose a problem to the effectiveness of Aphytis as a
biological control, for laboratories produce Wolbachia positive Aphytis. If the Aphytis in the
environment are Wolbachia negative, then the introduction of laboratory reared Aphytis with
Wolbachia could potentially yield only male offspring. As a result, a decrease in the amount of female
offspring in the environment would decrease the effectiveness of this wasp when used to control scale
insect populations on agricultural plants.
Paid Research under Dr. Alec Gerry
Summer 2011
The objective of this research was to capture blood fed mosquitoes using resting box traps. Starting in
mid-July, Dairies in the Ontario area were picked as potential breeding sites for mosquitoes. The dirty
ponds produced by water runoff and cattle manure seemed to carry the right breeding conditions for
“foul water” mosquitoes. We were attempting to capture a particular species, Culex Stigmatasoma, for
there is relatively little known about this species in terms of its precise feeding preference, breeding
and habitat conditions, transmittance of diseases in the field, etc. The traps were taken back to the
West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District where triethylamine was used as a neurotoxin to
paralyze the mosquitoes so they could be identified to species under a microscope; blood fed
mosquitoes were preserved for further testing back at the UCR lab.
M.S. Student under Dr. Marjorie Hoy
August 2012-2014
I am beginning my thesis proposal as a M.S. student at UF. The objective of my research will pertain
to improvements of biological control methods using phytoseiid predatory mites.
Understanding the molecular process of sex determination in insects and other arthropods could allow
for the manipulation of sex ratios and modes of reproduction in natural enemies used in biological
control programs. The recent completion of the whole genome sequence of Metaseiulus occidentalis
now permits the identification of genes involved in sex determination in this predator of phytophagous
pest mites. Little is known at the molecular level about sex determination mechanisms in these
parahaploid chelicerates. The main objective of this research is to identify and characterize potential
genes involved in the sex determination pathway in the parahaploid species M. occidentalis and to
analyze the expression and functionality of sex-specifically spliced genes in males and females. A
better understanding of genes involved in the sex determination system may help to resolve issues
pertaining to the evolution and biology of this predatory mite family. This could lead to future genetic
improvement and enhanced biological control programs using phytoseiid mites.
Orientation Leader UC Riverside
Summer 2010
Student Life
 Individually mentored over 80 students as an Orientation Leader for 10
Student Orientation and Family Orientation sessions.
 Completed over 50 hours of staff training on skills and duties necessary to perform the
functions of an Orientation Leader, including public speaking and
small and large group facilitation.
Other Campus Involvement______________________________
President of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity
Spring 2010-Spring 2011
 Under my term it was my duty to oversee a chapter of over fifty members. My duties
ranged from running chapter meetings efficiently to overseeing all planned events.
 Organized large scale events, such as the first annual “Car Smash” Philanthropy which
raised over $1900 towards the Save a Child’s Heart Foundation.
 Emphasized values such as honesty, perseverance, humility, mutual helpfulness, and
faith.
 Taught the new members “Robert’s Rules of Order” for meeting etiquette.
Event Planning Chair, Hillel, UCR
2008 -2009
Set up a ski/snowboarding trip along with several Shabbat dinners. Planned and participated
in various community service acts, such as volunteer work with a nearby temple.
Member of BEUSA (Botany and Entomology Undergraduate Student
Association) at UCR
Other Experience________________________________
Employee, Sales Clerk, Allan’s Aquarium and Pet Supplies, CA
September, 08
April -
Member of ESA - Attended the Entomological Society of America annual
conference in Reno, NV 2011 and Knoxville, TN 2012 to listen to seminars and
network with fellow entomologists from around the world.
Attended the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity annual convention in Las Vegas
(2009), New Orleans (2010), and Orlando Florida (2011) to develop leadership
and management skills as well as participate in community service.