Investigating vector physiology

Understanding the basic biology of arthropod vectors of human diseases is critical to developing new control strategies. The UGA entomology lab investigates how hormones regulate insect reproduction and how microbes interact with insect hosts to facilitate host development. By discovering novel regulators of insect reproduction in vector mosquito species, they can help identify potential avenues for control of these insects and reduce disease transmission. They are currently developing tools to investigate the role of bacterial symbionts in a major vector of Chagas' disease.