Research Interests:
My interests include ecology, ornithology and wildlife diseases. My current research involves West Nile Virus (WNV) dynamics in East Baton Rouge parish, Louisiana. This research aims to shed light on how the virus cycles in nature within in the study areas and involves: collecting and testing mosquitoes, conducting host DNA analysis on bloodfed mosquitoes, monitoring/recording avian population activity, and conducting sero-surveillance on wild passerines. As a part of that research I conduct field work weekly in Baton Rouge; trapping wild passerine birds, giving each one a unique numbered leg band, and collecting a blood sample. I am also looking for evidence that supports or negates a mosquito feeding shift from birds to mammals during the West Nile season that may contribute to human transmission of the virus. My research will ultimately contribute to human risk assessment, mosquito control in “at risk” areas, and early prediction of WNV outbreaks.
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