Bianca Burini Kojin

Dr. Bianca Burini’s teaching integrates foundational biology with applied, real-world problem solving in vector biology and genetic engineering. She teaches courses in mosquito biology, genetics, and genome editing, with an emphasis on developing students’ critical thinking and ability to connect molecular mechanisms to population-level outcomes.

She leads the course Exploring Practical Genome Editing in Entomology, which provides a conceptual and applied understanding of modern genome editing tools, including CRISPR-based technologies, experimental design, and data interpretation in insect systems. The course also emphasizes human values and community engagement, preparing students to consider the ethical, societal, and regulatory dimensions of the responsible deployment of transgenic organisms. She also teaches the seminar Genetically Modified Insects, focused on current advances, applications, and ethical considerations of genetic modification for vector control. These courses reflect her strong commitment to providing students with relevant, cutting-edge training, and she invests significant effort and passion in continuously refining their content and delivery.

Mentorship is a central component of her teaching. She trains undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers in experimental design, scientific communication, and professional development. Her goal is to cultivate independent scientists capable of addressing complex biological challenges.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Burini is committed to community engagement and extension. She works with public health professionals and educational programs to disseminate knowledge on mosquito biology, vector-borne diseases, and innovative control strategies, bridging academic research with societal impact.