Research
We research the ecology and the biology of insect vectors of disease, particularly mosquitoes. The lab focused on the investigation of novel forms of vector control, host pathogen and symbiont interactions, and mosquito and disease ecology. The lab uses molecular biology and genetic tools to answer questions to gain a better understanding of how mosquitoes vector pathogens and to identify appropriate interventions to reduce disease risk to humans and animals. Outlined below are several projects that the lab is currently investigating.
Male Mosquito Biology
Most research on the basic biology and ecology of mosquitoes has been focused on female biology because female acquire blood meals and are responsible for disease transmission. However, for males of many species, little is known about specific food sources, dispersal, mating frequency, and survivorship in the field. Our goal is to further investigate these questions in important mosquito vectors of disease in relationship to how males could potentially be used to control mosquito populations. |
Autodissemination
Using mosquito behavior as an aid for mosquito control is becoming more common. Auto-dissemination approaches for insect control rely on the mosquito or other insects to deliver an insecticide to the place where other mosquitoes reside. Insects can be exposed to insecticide by entering traps and leaving or by dusting with insecticide. We are interested in understanding more about the deliver mechanism of the insecticide, more specifically dosage rate, persistence in the environment, non target effects, and physiological effects on the delivery insect. |
Mosquito and disease ecology
We are also investigating novel diagnostic tools for detecting pathogens in insect vectors and examine pathogen transmission dynamics in the field. The lab is interested in gaining a better understanding of mosquito dispersal, mating and blood feeding frequency. Moreover, we are using population genetic tools to understand when, where, and how Aedes mosquito populations become established and are spreading throughout the United States.
We are also investigating novel diagnostic tools for detecting pathogens in insect vectors and examine pathogen transmission dynamics in the field. The lab is interested in gaining a better understanding of mosquito dispersal, mating and blood feeding frequency. Moreover, we are using population genetic tools to understand when, where, and how Aedes mosquito populations become established and are spreading throughout the United States.