Michael Smanski

Dr. Michael Smanski is an Assistant Professor of Biochemistry in the College of Biological Sciences. His expertise is in natural product discovery, genome mining, and genetic systems engineering. At the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center, he is conducting a project on the genetic control of invasive fish. His research at MAISRC-funded research project focuses on invasive carp, but can be applied to other invasive species as well. Mike's lab develops genetic biocontrol strategies. These leverage the latest tools in genome engineering to convert pest organisms into pesticides. The engineered organisms can be used as a tool to crash invasive populations by spreading deleterious genes. We are trying to demonstrate a genetic biocontrol approach in common carp for this project.