Medical Entomology

Our researchers study the basic behavior and physiology of ectoparasites and vectors of disease. Our aim is to fully understand how these arthropods function, in order to discover new methods of controlling them and the pathogens they transmit. Currently, our major projects include studying the mechanisms regulating mosquito sugar feeding and blood feeding behavior, the evolution of mosquito mating behavior, the regulation of mosquito diapause, and the identification and function of tick salivary gland secretions. Our medical entomologists and their students collaborate with the Ohio Department of Health on studies of vector-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and a variety of other arthropod-related medical topics.