Infectious Disease & Vector Biology

Student observing a sample with forceps in a lab.

Humans are challenged by a variety of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Many of these pathogens are transmitted by arthropod vectors. Our faculty study fundamental properties of these pathogens as well as the vectors that transmit them, from microbial to organismal scales. By understanding how these pathogens are transmitted and infect humans, our faculty are devising control strategies for mitigating their impacts.

Areas of interest

Vector insect thermal adaptations
Mosquito host-seeking behavior
Insect developmental pathways
Sex determination and control
Host-microbe interactions
Influence of climate change on vector range
Biochemistry of pathogenesis

Faculty

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Michael Klemba , bio
Associate Professor and Director of Biochemistry Study Abroad Programs: Biochemistry and Drug Discovery of Malaria
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Chloé Lahondère , bio
Associate Professor and Inclusion and Diversity Committee Chair Mechanisms of Thermal Adaption in Insects
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Zhijian (Jake) Tu , bio
University Distinguished Professor Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics of Mosquito-Borne Diseases
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Clément Vinauger , bio
Associate Professor: Molecular Genetics of Host-Seeking Behavior in Insects
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Jinsong Zhu , bio
Professor and Director of the Undergraduate Program Associate Department Head Genetic Mechanisms of Mosquito Reproduction