Education:
Ph.D. Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 2006
M.S . Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 2001
B.S. Biology, University of Wyoming 1999
Research:
Spatial ecology is concerned with the reciprocal interaction between spatial pattern and ecological systems.
It recognizes the explicit role of space in mediating processes that drive broad-scale patterns of population
abundance, species distribution, and community composition. My research focuses on elucidating the role of
spatial and temporal heterogeneity in determining population dynamics, using a combination of computer
simulation and spatial analytical techniques. Examples include: understanding the role of the spatial
arrangement of habitat for the persistence of threatened and endangered species, understanding how landscape
disturbances, such as fire, impact species persistence, and understanding how host movement patterns within
an urban landscape influence the transmission dynamics of vector-borne disease.
While with the Scott lab, I will work with Dr. Amy Morrison (UC Davis), Dr. Uriel Kitron (U. Illinois
Urbana-Champaign) and numerous others in our research group to elucidate the spatial scale of dengue
transmission in Iquitos, Peru. Our hypothesis is that disease dynamics are influenced by patterns of
human movement. We will combine spatial analyses and modelling with both prospective and retrospective
field studies in Peru.
Research Interests:
My research focuses on conceptual questions related to the role of spatial and temporal heterogeneities in the dynamics of ecological processes. Currently in the Scott Lab, I have several projects ongoing that range from basic ecology of larval mosquitoes to the role of host movement patterns in the transmission of disease. I am developing an approach that weds field, laboratory, simulation and analytical approaches to answer key ecological questions related to disease transmission.
Specifically, the work I currently conduct at UC Davis focuses on dengue and its vector, the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Dengue is a tropical disease of growing importance for increased rates of dengue hemorrhagic fever and increases in disease incidence in many parts of the world. Moreover, globalization and human movements are effectively circulating the four different dengue serotypes to susceptible populations around the world. With ~3 billion people at risk and >100 million cases each year and no vaccine, there is great need for more effective means to control dengue. A large component of for successfully preventing the disease is better understanding of the disease’s ecology and that of its vector.
Projects I am currently involved with include:
Activity Space -- Here I am working with numerous collaborators to elucidate the role that human movement patterns play in the transmission of dengue. Our study is being conducted in Iquitos, Peru where our lab has been active nearly a decade. Most recently, I have been working on a consolidated data system for managing data collected for the project and others ongoing in Iquitos as well as developing a GPS device and procedure for monitoring individual study participant movements.
Spatial Epidemiology -- From 1999 to 2003 our laboratory carried out a longitudinal cohort study for dengue in Iquitos, Peru. Using this data set, I aim to address several questions related to the spatial transmission of dengue. Most immediate is the question of what scale dengue transmission occurs over. That is, if I am a ministry of health worker that wants to prevent a dengue outbreak, have limited resource, and have identified a positive dengue case, over what spatial scale should I focus my control efforts?
Larval Ecology -- While long and extensively studied in the laboratory, there remains little understanding of the larval ecology of Ae. aegypti in the field. Two important questions are: to what extent do containers under natural conditions vary in their capacity to produce adult mosquitoes and what is the effect of density dependence within containers where larval Ae. aegypti develop?
Population Genetics -- How adult Ae. aegypti move on fine and broad scales has critical implications for dengue transmission. Dispersion of genes for pesticide resistance and/or for susceptibility to dengue virus are two reasons why movements on broader scales can be important. Response to control measures and invasion of new habitats are reasons fine scale movements can be of import. While numerous studies have been done on the population genetic structure in other parts of the world, this has yet to be done in the Amazon basin around or within Iquitos, Peru. This part of the world is unique for the lack of road travel; most movement is by water. Many communities are small and only loosely connected. Nevertheless, Ae. aegypti is present in many. My first question is: what is the extent of gene flow among these communities and the ‘hub’ of Iquitos? Secondly, we have a long term data set on the entomology and epidemiology of dengue in Iquitos, but have yet to characterize genetically the local mosquito population. Iquitos is a large city that undergoes yearly efforts at mosquito control. To what extent do mosquitoes move about the city? Is there fine-scale phenotypic variation within the population that influences population resilience and, ultimately, disease transmission? To answer these questions, I have begun collecting mosquitoes on a geographically stratified sampling scheme and will genotype using SSCP and SNP markers.
