She received a Ph.D. in the area of protein biochemistry from Kansas State University in 1991. Proteins that negatively impact insect growth and development are useful in insect control, because genes encoding insecticidal proteins can be expressed in plants to enhance host plant resistance.
Proteinase inhibitors are good candidates because they disrupt insect digestion.
Dr. Oppert was part of a team that discovered that combinations of digestive inhibitors targeting different proteinase classes provided better control of some stored product pests. Testing of other proteins by the research group led to the identification of vitamin-binding proteins that were also effective in the control of some stored product pests. Genes for these proteins can be expressed in wheat, maize, and other cereals to reduce pest damage to these products. Biochemical techniques developed to evaluate proteinases in mixtures . Insect proteinases are being investigated to identify those that may be targeted by biopesticides.