Vector-borne Diseases Research

The Department has several faculty that conduct research on a number of vector-borne pathogens. Opportunities exist for laboratory and field training in ecology, pathogenesis, and molecular biology of the most severe emerging and reemerging vector-borne diseases. A strong research emphasis on arthropod-borne pathogens includes tick-borne spotted fever group Rickettsia, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Ehrlichia spp.; flea-borne Bartonella and Rickettsia; and mosquito-borne filariasis and viruses (Dengue fever, chikungunya, West Nile, Eastern Equine encephalitis and St. Louis encephalitis). Within the Department of Pathobiological Sciences many of these pathogens are maintained in laboratory culture or in animal models for research studies. Additionally, the Department is strengthened by an established Geographical Information Systems group which provides another opportunity for research interests in vector biology.

 

Rebecca Christofferson, PhD, Assistant Professor. Arboviral diseases.

 

Juan Martinez, PhD. Associate Professor, Tick-borne rickettsial diseases

 

Fang-Ting Liang, PhD. Associate Professor. Lyme disease

Kevin Macaluso, PhD. Professor. Tick-borne rickettsial diseases

 

Christopher Mores, PhD. Associate Professor. Arboviral diseases.