Dr Andreia Wendt

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Dr Andreia Wendt

School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick

Scientific Background

Research Interests

My research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that enable Leishmania parasites to survive, adapt and develop across their complex life cycle, particularly during transmission by sand fly vectors. I am especially interested in identifying parasite genes and pathways that determine fitness within the vector and mammalian host, using functional genomics, CRISPR-based genetic manipulation, barcoded mutant libraries and high-throughput phenotyping. A major focus of my work is membrane biology and metabolism, including transporters and other proteins that allow parasites to respond to the very different nutritional and environmental conditions encountered during transmission and infection.

Alongside understanding fundamental parasite biology, I am interested in translating these discoveries into new approaches for interrupting transmission. This includes investigating parasite–vector interactions, establishing and exploiting experimental sand fly models, and developing transmission-blocking strategies such as anti-Leishmania attractive sugar baits. More broadly, my research combines molecular parasitology, functional genomics and vector biology to identify vulnerabilities in parasite transmission and explore how these can be exploited for innovative and environmentally sustainable approaches to leishmaniasis control.

Scientific Inspiration

Two scientists who particularly inspire me are Rachel Carson and Marie Skłodowska-Curie. Carson demonstrated how rigorous science can extend beyond discovery to challenge the way we interact with the natural world. Her ability to connect biology, environmental health and societal responsibility strongly resonates with my interest in developing sustainable approaches to control vector-borne diseases. Marie Curie inspires me through her scientific curiosity, perseverance and pioneering work across disciplinary boundaries. As a woman who built an international scientific career and fundamentally transformed her field, she represents the courage to pursue ambitious questions despite significant barriers. Together, they embody the kind of science I value: rigorous and innovative, but also conscious of its broader impact on society and the environment.

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: Supportive and empowering; Collaborative and approachable; Independence-focused

Provision of Training

I provide tailored training that combines hands-on guidance, structured feedback, and opportunities to develop technical and transferable skills. As students gain confidence, I progressively encourage greater independence, critical thinking, and ownership of their research. I will directly be responsible for initial basic training, when more specialised training is required, I will facilitate connection with appropriate experts.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I monitor progression through regular weekly meetings, clear milestones, and constructive feedback, adapting goals as projects evolve. I encourage open communication and early identification of challenges, while progressively supporting trainees in taking ownership of their research and development.

Communication

I promote open, respectful and regular communication, creating an environment where trainees feel comfortable discussing ideas, challenges and concerns. Expectations and feedback are communicated clearly, while encouraging constructive dialogue and mutual exchange.

While I have a flexible working schedule which may result in sending e-mails out of office hours, I do not expect trainees to do the same and encourage students to manage their own work/life balance.

Meetings

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me at least once per week. These meetings will be a mixture of face-to-face and via video chat or telephone. I am usually contactable for an instant response 3 or 4 days per week.

Work Patterns

Certain tasks in my lab need to occur at set times, and students need to be able to commit to a rota/timetable shared with other members of the team.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 2 weeks' notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5,000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

Transmission blocking in Leishmaniasis - Interfering with Leishmania-Sandfly colonisation

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Transmission blocking in Leishmaniasis - Interfering with Leishmania-Sandfly colonisation

Secondary Supervisor(s): Dr Samuel Dean

University of Registration: University of Warwick

BBSRC Research Themes:

Understanding the Rules of Life (Microbiology)
Integrated Understanding of Health (Pharmaceuticals)

Project Outline

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by Leishmania parasites and transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies. Understanding how parasites survive, develop and interact with their insect vectors is essential for identifying new strategies to interrupt transmission. Our research combines molecular parasitology, functional genomics and experimental vector biology to investigate the mechanisms that allow Leishmania to colonise the sand fly and to determine the molecular and cellular principles governing parasite fitness within the insect vector, and explore how this knowledge can inform biologically based transmission-blocking approaches. We are interested in identifying parasite factors required for survival within the vector and in developing innovative interventions that target parasites during their development in the sand fly, including orally delivered compounds and attractive sugar-based approaches.

We are looking to recruit a PhD student in the areas of parasite-vector interactions, molecular parasitology and vector-borne disease control. Topics available include: (i) identifying and characterising Leishmania genes and pathways required for survival, development and transmission within sand flies; (ii) investigating how environmental, nutritional and vector-derived factors influence parasite fitness and transmission; (iii) developing and evaluating orally delivered anti-Leishmania compounds and attractive sugar-based interventions; and (iv) comparative studies across Leishmania species, sand fly vectors or transmission-blocking strategies. The questions addressed in this project are flexible, and interested candidates are encouraged to discuss their ideas with Dr. Wendt. The ideal candidate will be interested in combining molecular and cellular approaches with experimental infection models to understand parasite-vector biology and develop new approaches to reduce Leishmania transmission.

Co-supervisor on a project with Dr Samuel Dean.