Kristina Frogoso, a student from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, worked with Dr. Scott Connelly to examine the threat of a fungal pathogen to amphibian populations. Abstract: Biodiversity loss is occurring in substantial rates, and more specifically we are seeing major amphibian declines due to infectious diseases. One infectious disease in particular is
Jasmine Gipson, from Kennesaw State University, worked with Dr. Kelly Dyer in the UGA Genetics department to study the transmission of Wolbachia, a parasite of insects. Abstract: Wolbachia is an endosymbiont parasite that lives in the reproductive system 70% of all insects. It is passed down vertically to its offspring from the mother. Wolbachia occurs
Nicole Solano, a student at Agnes Scott College, worked with Dr. John Drake to model factors that could influence the risk of Chikungunya virus in the United States. Abstract: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arbovirus endemic to Africa and South and East Asia, that is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito,
Timothy Wildauer, a student from Bethany Lutheran College, worked with Dr. John Drake to test new methods of determining time of infection for Ebola patients. Abstract: Data recorded during the 2014-2015 West Africa Ebola Outbreak indicates when patients presented themselves at a hospital for treatment. However, to know if interventions were successful, we need to
Evans Lodge, a student from Calvin College, worked with Dr. John Drake to measure how human behaviors change during disease outbreaks. Abstract: In outbreaks of emerging infectious disease, public health interventions aim at increasing the speed with which infected individuals are removed from the susceptible population, limiting opportunities for secondary infection. Isolation, hospitalization, and barrier-nursing
Lexi Calderon, a student from the University of Redlands, worked with Dr. Andy Davis and members of his lab to study parasites affect wound-healing in bess beetles. Abstract: By definition, parasites depend on the resources of their host to survive. This relationship can result in a decrease of energy and fitness for the host. The
Taylor McClanahan, a student at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, worked with Dr. Courtney Murdock and members of her lab to examine how microclimate affects mosquitoes. Abstract: Aedes albopictus, (Asian tiger mosquito), has successfully colonized in several countries in North and South America. Ae. albopictus is a highly efficient vector, capable of transmitting
Anna Schneider, a student from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, worked with mentors Dr. Sonia Altizer, Dr. Richard Hall, and Ania Majewska to look at how butterfly behavior affects parasite transmission. Abstract: Altered behavior of an infected host can have important consequences for pathogen transmission. Pathogens can cause the host to increase foraging behavior and
Sydney Barosko, a student from Michigan State University, worked in the lab of Dr. Travis Glenn to examine pathogen diversity in local lone star ticks. Abstract: In the world of infectious diseases, ticks play an important role as a vector in transmitting pathogens to humans, companion animals, livestock, and wildlife. Amblyomma americanum (Lone Star ticks)
Taylor Joseph, a student from Michigan State University, worked with Dr. Andreas Handel to use computational methods to examine new tuberculosis treatment regimes. Abstract: Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the world’s most deadly diseases, as current treatment protocols are far outdated and often ineffective. Furthermore, current regimens are complicated and last many months, often leading
Annakate Schatz, a student from Mount Holyoke College, worked with Dr. Andrew Kramer to test the accuracy of models used to predict pathogen spread. Abstract: Species distribution models (SDMs) are commonly used to predict the total possible area a species can occupy. These models, however, rely on an assumption of equilibrium with the environment. When
Sofia Bertoloni Meli, a student from Indiana University, worked with Dr. Michael Strand and Kerri Coon to studied the microbial community found in the gut of mosquitoes. Abstract: Insects host many essential microbial symbionts. The bacteria in mosquito guts are important for development, nutrient acquisition, and reproduction. Developing mosquito larvae acquire their gut bacterial community
Richard Williams, a student from Morehouse College, worked with Dr. John Drake to develop a model examining the effectiveness of low-sensitivity interventions in disease outbreaks. Abstract: We conducted a theoretical study to investigate the effect of low sensitivity interventions on the containment of an emerging pathogen. Low sensitivity interventions such as thermal scans for febrile
Zain Aryanpour, a student at the University of Alabama, worked with Dr. Jeb Byers and Carrie Keogh to examine the cost of infection on immune response of an invasive crab species. Abstract: Invasive species often show phenotypic distinctions in relation to their native-range species. A topic of current interest in populations of invasive species is
Alexandra Wickson, a student at the University of Georgia, worked with Dr. Michael Yabsley and others in his lab to determine parasite prevalence in vulture populations. Abstract: Avian haemosporidian blood parasites are widespread among many families of birds and, in some species, can cause avian malaria. In previous studies on blood parasites of vultures, prevalence