NEVBD Program News & Updates
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Wrapping Up the 2022 Pesticide Resistance Submission System
Our team at the NEVBD Pesticide Resistance Monitoring Program extend a thank you to everyone who took part in the submission system this 2022 season - we had a record breaking number of submissions this year! Our team is planning to conclude this season's submission system next week Friday September 16. If your organization would like an extension on this date, please reach out to us at pesticide@cornell.edu.
We will be reporting results from the 2022 season and scheduling end-of-season meetings in the coming weeks.
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Research & Collaborations
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NEVBD Research Publications
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Southwestern National Park Service Employee Risk, Knowledge and Concern for Chagas Disease Exposure
NEVBD researchers from Cornell University recently published results of an investigation into National Park Service (NPS) employee knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors regarding triatomines, or kissing bugs. NPS employees from four national parks in Arizona and Texas completed a survey in spring 2021. Results showed that NPS employees overall had low knowledge of Chagas disease, but greater knowledge of Chagas disease was not associated with better prevention practices. However, employees with higher anxiety over Chagas disease exposure had higher personal agency, or self-efficacy, to implement prevention strategies. Results of this study highlight the influence that knowledge and attitudes have on Chagas disease prevention within a high-risk population in the US, as well as the importance of utilizing strategies beyond provision of education to influence behaviors. Read the full report in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.
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You can access publications from NEVBD-supported applied research by visiting the Research and Publications pages on our website!
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Collaboration Opportunities
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MUVE-ing Together Initiative from the Entomological Society of America
The Medical, Urban, and Veterinary Entomology (MUVE) section of ESA has proposed a new initiative to bring together people working in entomology, ecology, and human health fields to strengthen One Health approaches focused on human and animal parasites. The MUVE-ing Together Initiative is seeking members at any career stage to get involved. If you are interested in learning more about this initiative and getting involved, contact any of the following organizers: Erika Machtinger (etm10@psu.edu), Risa Pesapane (pesapane.1@osu.edu), Karen Poh (karen.poh227@gmail.com), Danielle Tufts (dmt80@pitt.edu). You can follow on Twitter @MUVEingTogether.
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Insects Special Issue: Research and Advances in Acarology
The continuous expansion of mites and ticks around the globe represents an agricultural and public health challenge. Studying fundamental biological and ecological traits is critical to developing sustainable management strategies in agricultural settings and understanding the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases. This Special Issue on “Research and Advances in Acarology” will consider all original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, and perspectives on basic and applied research of mites and ticks for publication after rigorous peer review. Guest editors Dr. Julia González and Dr. Alvaro Toledo of Rutgers University Center for Vector Biology.
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Vector-Borne Disease in the News
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Merck Announces Fluralaner Indicated in Treatment and Control of Asian Longhorned Tick Infestations in Cats
Merck Animal Health has announced the new label indication for both fluralaner topical solution (Bravecto) and fluralaner and moxidectin topical solution (Bravecto Plus) for the treatment and control of Asian longhorned tick infestations in cats. Both products are the first US products labeled for both the treatment and control of Asian longhorned tick infestations.
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Employment Opportunities in VBD
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Public / Private Sector Opportunities
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NEW: Epidemiologist III, Environmental Epidemiology Program Manager, Fairfax Co. VA
Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) is seeking an experienced epidemiologist to lead the Environmental Epidemiology Program in an expanding Division of Epidemiology and Population Health. Foci of this position include surveillance, investigation, prevention, and reduction of disparities for communicable and non-communicable conditions such as vector-borne and zoonotic diseases, toxic substance exposures, and impacts of climate change. Minimum qualifications: advanced degree in epidemiology: doctorate degree (PhD) plus two years of experience in epidemiology-related work, or master's degree in Public Health (MPH) or Master of Science (MS) with graduate work in epidemiology and/or biostatistics plus five years of experience in epidemiology-related work. Apply by September 30, 2022. Learn more.
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NEW: Tenure Track Assistant Professor, Medical Entomology, University of Delaware
The Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware seeks to fill a tenure-track faculty position in Vector Biology / Medical Entomology. The position is a 9-month appointment (paid over 12 months) with responsibilities in teaching and research; responsibilities are allocated as 55% research, 40% teaching, and 5% service. Review of applications will begin 1 November 2022 with interviews in early 2023. For more information, contact Dr. Greg Shriver (gshriver@udel.edu), Search Committee Chair, Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware. Learn more.
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NEW: Assistant / Associate Professor Vector Biology / Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
The Department of Entomology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison seeks to hire a Vector Biologist or Ecologist with expertise in arthropods that transmit human and/or zoonotic pathogens, serving a leadership role in the Global Health major, and with the desire to participate in, and contribute to, the research and outreach mission of the MCE-VBD. Research areas that would be appropriate for this position are broadly in the area of vector biology, and may include strengths in arthropod/pathogen interactions at multiple scales (molecular/suborganismal, organismal, population, community, and regional scales), innovative strategies for management and control, and the emergence and transmission of vector-borne infectious disease. Research that incorporates a global health or international component is also desirable. Learn more.
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Faculty Positions, University of Georgia Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases (CEID)
The University of Georgia CEID is seeking to fill two faculty positions:
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Associate/Assistant Professor of Arthropod Vector Biology and/or Ecology, PennState
The Department of Entomology at Penn State invites applications in the area of Arthropod Vector Biology and/or Ecology for a tenure line, faculty position with a focus on the ecology of vectors and their role in disease transmission. A successful candidate will have expertise that will complement existing University strengths in epidemiology, IPM, chemical ecology, vector biology, genomics, and/or applied evolution/resistance management. This is a 9- month, Tenure Line, 75% Research, 25% Teaching appointment. Learn more.
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Assistant Professor Positions (2) in Vector Disease & Ecology, University of Georgia
The Department of Infectious Diseases in the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL) at the University of Georgia invite applications for a joint appointment, tenure-track Assistant Professor in the area of vector ecology. Two positions are available. Two positions are available. One will be located in Athens, GA in the College of Veterinary Medicine and a second position will be located at the SREL. Areas of research might include, but are not limited to: arbovirus-vector interactions, pathogen and vector responses to climate change or land use, emerging vector-borne diseases, evolutionary strategies for limiting the spread of insecticide and drug resistance in pathogens and vectors, determinants of host shifts within and between ecosystems, behavioral influences of infectious disease dynamics, and terrestrial-aquatic linkages. Candidates should have a strong question-driven research program, which incorporates experimental (i.e., field, lab, molecular) approaches, to address the most challenging problems in one or more of these areas.
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Postdoctoral / Fellowship Opportunities
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NEW: Vector-Borne Disease Postdoctoral Scholars, MCEVBD, University of Wisconsin-Madison
The Midwest Center of Excellence for Vector-Borne Disease (MCEVBD) headquartered at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is recruiting two postdoctoral scholars to lead CDC-funded projects investigating vector and vector-borne disease management, using statistical models combined with field surveys and observations. The successful candidates will contribute to one or more research projects that include: 1) evaluating currently available methods for reduction of host-seeking blacklegged ticks or West Nile virus vectors, 2) conducting lab, semi-field, and field trials evaluating new products and delivery mechanisms for tick or mosquito control, 3) evaluating impacts of public health education on vector bite prevention. Review of applications will begin immediately and the position start date is flexible. Learn more.
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NEW: ORISE Fellowship, Vector-Borne Disease Branch, US Army Public Health Command
The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering two ORISE fellowships at the Vector-Borne Disease Branch of the U.S. Army Public Health Center (APHC) located at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, USA. As an ORISE participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to provide rapid identification and testing of ticks removed from DOD beneficiaries, and generates a robust surveillance dataset to better combat tick-borne disease risks to DOD personnel. In addition to the routine MilTICK PCR-based mission, other projects may include next generation sequencing of vector-borne pathogens, real-time PCR assay development, testing mosquitoes for emerging genetic resistance to insecticides, and collaborations with academic and federal partners on vector-borne disease-related projects. Learn more.
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Scholarship Opportunities from the Florida Mosquito Control Foundation
Two student opportunities are offered by the Florida Mosquito Control Foundation for students seeking degrees in fields related to arthropod control with emphasis on Public Health. These opportunities are open to students from any location. The Cyrus R. Lesser Student Competition and T. Wainwright Miller Scholarship will award one-time scholarships of $2,000 to students interested in the field of mosquito control and vector biology. Learn more at https://www.yourfmca.org/foundation/scholarships. Application deadlines are October 1, 2022.
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Postdoctoral Fellow, Mosquito-Arbovirus Interactions, University of Missouri
A postdoctoral position is immediately available for a candidate who is interested in working on molecular mosquito-arbovirus interactions in the laboratory of Dr. Alexander Franz, Dept. of Veterinary Pathobiology at the University of Missouri (vpbio.missouri.edu). The NIH-funded research work encompasses molecular entomology and arbovirology. Research topics center on the biology of mosquito vector competence for arboviruses and the generation of antiviral resistance in mosquitoes. We are using a wide range of laboratory techniques including molecular cloning, tissue culture, fluorescent microscopy, virus infection and detection assays, manipulation of viral genomes, transgenic mosquito technology, and mosquito genomics. There are excellent insectary and BSL3 (virology lab) facilities available to conduct these studies. Apply through MU Jobs position 43318.
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ORISE Fellowship, CDC Vector-Borne Diseases
A research fellowship opportunity is currently available with the Dengue Branch Entomology and Ecology Unit within the Division of Vector-Borne Diseases (DVBD), National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Fort Collins, CO. The Fellow will participate in field investigations on establishing what are the minimum numbers of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes required to prevent rampant outbreaks of arboviruses such as dengue (DENVs), chikungunya (CHIKV), Zika (ZIKV), or yellow fever (YFV) viruses. Applications due September 26, 2022. Learn more.
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Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Mosquito Population Genetics, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station + Yale University
A postdoctoral position on mosquito population genetics is available to work in collaboration with Andrea Gloria-Soria at The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) and Jeffrey Powell at Yale University, in New Haven, CT (USA). The postdoctoral researcher will lead the effort to characterize the genetic diversity across the ancestral range of Ae. aegypti, address questions of demography and population structure, and identifying putative sources of admixture in the region, using large genomic datasets. Depending on your personal interests and skills, projects on genome evolution, molecular evolution, behavioral genetics and ecological genomics are also possible. Applications accepted on a rolling basis until position filled. Learn more.
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Postdoctoral Scholar, Vector-Borne Disease Ecology and Global Change
The MacDonald disease ecology lab at UC Santa Barbara is recruiting a postdoctoral scholar to work on a NSF EEID funded project (DEB-2011147) investigating effects of land use change on vector-borne disease. The overall objective of the project is to understand the successional dynamics of vector-borne diseases with changing land use, and their socio-ecological drivers, as well as to generalize beyond system-specific, descriptive case studies to mechanistic understanding and prediction of the consequences of land use decisions for infectious disease. The project is primarily focused on land use change in the Amazon basin and its impact on vector-borne disease, including dengue and other arboviruses, malaria and leishmaniasis. Final application date Friday, Sep 30, 2022. Learn more.
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ORISE Fellowship, Vectors & Vector-Borne Disease Molecular Inventory, US Air Force
Seeking a one year ORISE Fellow to generate and analyze nucleotide sequence data for vectors and vector-borne disease pathogens sampled from US Air Force Bases. Data will be used to evaluate the taxonomic identity and relatedness of our samples to other taxa within their groups, infer the geographic origin of introduced arthropods, and/or attempt to resolve cryptic species diversity. PhD or MS in vector biology, molecular biology, ecology, genetics, evolutionary biology, wildlife biology or a related discipline that includes courses in genetics/phylogenetics, population genetics, biodiversity informatics and/or molecular systematics of eukaryotic and/or prokaryotic organisms. Specific experience in nucleotide sequence analyses for phylogenies, inference of geographical origin or similar investigations is highly desirable. Learn more.
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Postdoctoral Positions, Lyme Disease and Other Tickborne Diseases, Wadsworth Center NYSDOH
The Lin Laboratory at the Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health is recruiting postdoctoral fellows to study host-pathogen interactions of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases in multi-institutional, collaborative projects. We are particularly interested in defining the mechanisms of transmission and persistence by Lyme disease bacteria and other tickborne pathogens in reservoir animals. Prior experience in tackling the host-pathogen interactions using any of the following approaches are welcome: bacterial genetics, host immune responses, phylogenomics, or vector biology. Learn more. Please submit a CV (3 pages or less); a letter summarizing research interests, experience, and goals (1 page or less); and the names and phone numbers/e-mail of three references to: Dr. Yi-Pin Lin Ph.D., Research Scientist IV, E-mail: Yi-Pin.Lin@health.ny.gov.
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Training Opportunities in VBD
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NEW: Virtual Seminar Series on Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases
The third year of seminar series on Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases is sponsored by the Coordinating Research on Emerging Arboviral Threats Encompassing the Neotropics (Create-NEO) and the UTMB Center for Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases. Seminars will be hosted every second Tuesday of the month starting September 2022. Register for this webinar series here.
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EYE on Yellow Fever Podcast Series, WHO
‘EYE on yellow fever’ is a podcast series highlighting the global risks of yellow fever and how the Eliminate Yellow Fever Epidemics (EYE) Strategy is addressing these challenges in the most-affected countries. Experts from different fields of climate change and even outer space explore why and how this disease is in danger of spreading globally and take you inside a concerted global effort to ensure that yellow fever does not become the next big global health threat. The series is available on the WHO website or your preferred podcast app.
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Biology of Mosquitoes, Ticks, and other Disease-Causing Arthropods - Online Certificate Course
This new online certificate course offered through eCornell explores the fascinating biology, behaviors, and disease-transmission processes of a range of organisms, with special emphasis on the most important groups, including ticks and mosquitoes. This course provides an excellent foundation for understanding medical and public health entomology and disease control. Next offering of the course is scheduled to begin 7 September 2022.
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Online Training in Vector Surveillance
Learn to develop an effective vector surveillance program, collect data, and communicate risk with the Cornell Entomology Department and eCornell in the newest online course Vector-Borne Diseases Surveillance. Take this 4-week instructor-led course with Dr. Laura Harrington and Dr. Sarah Michaels and learn best practices to implement vector surveillance, data, and reporting methods. The next offering of the course is scheduled to begin 12 October 2022.
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ESA Launches IPM Certificate Program
Pest management professionals can jumpstart their careers through the Certified Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Technician credential from the Entomological Society of America Certification Corp. Designed for professionals with less than five years’ experience in pest management, the Certified IPM Technician (CIT) credential demonstrates a foundational skillset and commitment to the IPM principles and practices. Applications for the credential are now being accepted by the ESA Certification Corp.
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Do you have a news story, job announcement, or other update that we should know about? Please send us a link for inclusion in future newsletters at at nevbd@cornell.edu!
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The Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases is supported through Cooperative Agreement Number 1U01CK000509-01 between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Cornell University.
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