Ave Burleigh, ’20

Ave Burleigh '20 studies Drosophila suzukii, an invasive fruit fly that is affecting farmers across the U.S. Under the direction of Scott McRobert, Ph.D., professor of biology, and Jonathan Fingerut, Ph.D., professor of environmental science, in the biodiversity lab, she is designing a prototype for a new fruit fly trap using a 3-D printer and studying their migratory pattern to identify the peak season when the invader will attack crops. Her project is sponsored by the Summer Scholars Program, where undergraduates engage in faculty-mentored research for the summer months.

Unlike traditional fruit flies, which may buzz around your kitchen when your bananas begin to rot, Drosophila suzukii infest and lay their eggs in fresh, ripening fruits — dangerous for farmer and those who make their living off of crops. "One study estimates $200 million in crop damage from Drosophila suzukii. They're hard to understand, given their first appearance in the U.S. was recorded in 2008. They're a relatively recent pest," says Ave.

Each summer, the BEAGLE program (which stands for Biology Experience Aimed at Growth, Learning, and Excellence) prepares new biology majors for the rigors of their academic discipline. Ave regularly volunteers in the program and strives to inspire new Hawks to engage in research. "College-level science is a big change from high school," she says. "I participated in the program as a freshman and, as a result, developed the skills needed to succeed in the department."

"I actually decided on SJU as a middle schooler," she recalls. "I was just struck by the beautiful campus. I came to SJU for a run around the track, and that was it — I was hooked."