Dr. Jonathan Parrott, Postdoctoral Research Associate

Education & Employment

2013 – Present
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Dept. of Entomology, Texas A&M University (College Station, TX)
Advisor: Dr. Aaron Tarone

2008 – 2013
Ph.D. Biology, Dept. of Biological Science, University of Portsmouth (United Kingdom)
Title: A Molecular Study of Contemporary and Museum Calliphoridae (Diptera) of Forensic Importance
Advisor: Dr. Michelle Harvey

2000 – 2004
B.S. Forensic Biology with Honors, University of Portsmouth (United Kingdom)

Research Interests

My current research focuses on the transcriptomics of the secondary screwworm fly Cochliomyia macellaria and population genetics.

My Ph.D research focused on the use of molecular identification techniques to elucidate information from entomological samples. Using PCR and next-generation sequencing technology, insect samples obtain from mummified remains of unknown origin were identified and information regarding seasonality, origin and mortuary behaviour could be determined. I am also focused on the forensically important genus Calliphora (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in regards to South African samples and the use of molecular techniques for identification purposes.

Interests: Phylogenetic relationships among blowflies, transcriptomics, population genetics, bioinformatics, DNA identification methods and ancient DNA, gene expression

Publications

Parrott J, Thorne A, Bunce M, Dadour I, Harvey M. In prep. The molecular identification of calliphorid puparia from a 320 year old mummified corpse.

Parrott J, Thorne A, Bunce M, Dadour I, Harvey M. In prep. Molecular contribution to an investigation of mortuary behavior in Peru using 1200 year old puparia.

Parrott J, Villet M, Harvey M. In prep. Molecular and morphological identification of species of the forensically significant genus blow fly Calliphora (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Africa, and a cautionary note for Forensic Entomologists.