Cristina Mercado brings a wealth of research experience to the Florida Chemical Senses Institute—experience she began accumulating well before starting graduate school. Now a second-year Ph.D. student in Zoology with a concentration in Animal Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Florida, Mercado is using her scientific background to explore new questions in insect chemosensation.
“I dedicated an average of 20–30 hours per week to research and laboratory work alongside my coursework,” Mercado shares. Her early training spanned entomology, molecular biology, and chemical ecology, providing a foundation in experimental design and data analysis that continues to shape her approach to scientific discovery.
At UF, Mercado conducts research in the Yan Lab in the Department of Biology, where she focuses on how odorant receptor (Or) genes are selected in olfactory receptor neurons of Tribolium castaneum—a major pest and emerging model species. “While the regulation of Or genes is well-characterized in model organisms with low Or number like Drosophila melanogaster, much less is known in species such as T. castaneum, which exhibit an expanded Or gene repertoire,” Mercado explains.
Understanding how these genes are regulated has far-reaching implications. T. castaneum, the red flour beetle, is not only genetically tractable but also a significant agricultural pest. It is often linked to the spread of harmful fungi such as Aspergillus flavus, which can contaminate stored grain and ultimately impact human nutrition and health. Mercado’s work may offer insights that inform pest management strategies while also advancing our understanding of sensory system evolution.
Her journey to the Yan Lab began during her time as a lab technician. “His lab represents the intersection of my research interests, exploring insect chemosensation through molecular and cellular biology, neuroscience, and behavior,” she says. That alignment led her to pursue her Ph.D. under the guidance of Dr. Hua Yan.
Mercado emphasizes the importance of mentorship in her scientific development. She credits several mentors for their support, including Dr. Kayli R. Sieber, a former FCSI T32 fellow who helped her transition into the lab and trained her in techniques like nuclei extraction and 10X single-nucleus RNA sequencing. “Dr. Sieber encouraged me to apply for the T32 and went on to provide thoughtful feedback on both my application and research plan,” Mercado says.
Additional mentors during her undergraduate years—including Ewa Hughes, Jerry Johnston, Charles (Chip) Hunter, Zachary Gorman, and R. Keating Godfrey—played a key role in her trajectory. She also acknowledges her current Ph.D. mentor, Dr. Bogdan Sieriebriennikov, for his continued guidance and support. “His mentorship has been vital to my growth and success,” she notes.
Despite her focus on molecular techniques, Mercado continues to find meaning in fieldwork. Her participation in the Santa Fe River Turtle Project, her first hands-on research experience, remains close to her heart. “It’s especially meaningful to me—not only was it my first hands-on research experience, but it remains my longest-running involvement,” she says. “I always learn something new during surveys.”
Looking ahead, Mercado envisions a career that integrates laboratory research and public outreach. “I aim to become a research scientist at a museum,” she says. “In this position, I would simultaneously lead laboratory research and provide integrated outreach opportunities to the public.” As a graduate student, she is already gaining experience in this area by participating in outreach events hosted by the Florida Museum of Natural History.
Mercado sees FCSI as a key part of this journey. “Rather than being limited to a university where chemosensory research is fragmented across isolated labs, having a centralized institute like FCSI fosters collaboration, strengthens communication, and creates opportunities to engage with researchers both within and beyond the university.”
To students interested in research careers, she offers practical advice: “You don’t need to commit long hours in a lab each week to gain experience—a flexible volunteer schedule or occasional participation in citizen science can make a big difference.” For those just beginning graduate school, she adds, “Remember to pace yourself, stay organized from the start, and prioritize balanced time management.”
Cristina Mercado’s drive, curiosity, and commitment to both research and mentorship embody the spirit of the FCSI. Her work reflects the institute’s mission to advance the understanding of chemosensory biology through interdisciplinary training, collaboration, and innovation.