Arjun Thilagaraj

Experience

• 

  RMIT University

  Jun 2018 - Dec 2018

  Research Officer

  Worked on a collaborative project with DSTG focused on the molecular characterization of bioluminescent dinoflagellates along specific Australian coasts.

• 

  World Mosquito Program (WMP)

  Sept 2019 - now

  Currently working in the Production & Product Development team to mass-produce Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti eggs for establishing Wolbachia in specific localities in Laos.I am also involved in tool testing and optimizing processes for new mosquito mass production rearing equipment. Collaborated with the Product Development and Supply team to test novel equipment, including an aerial release mechanism for deploying Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes. Additionally, evaluated an artificial blood formulation as a substitute for whole mammalian blood in mosquito rearing. Worked with the Production team to mass-produce millions of Aedes aegypti eggs for shipment to Fiji and Sri Lanka. Developed work instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs), leading to the acquisition of ISO 9001 certification for mosquito rearing processes at the World Mosquito Program Mass Production Facility.

  • Research Officer (Production & Product Development)

    Jan 2023 - now

  • Research Officer (Product Development & Supply)

    Jan 2022 - Dec 2022

  • Research Officer (Production)

    Sept 2019 - Dec 2021