March 31, 2008
 |
Chris Barker |
DAVIS—Mosquito researcher Christopher Barker, a graduate student in the Department of Entomology, University of California, Davis, is the winner of the John Henry Comstock Graduate Student Award from the Pacific Branch of the Entomological Society of America (PB-ESA).
Barker presented a talk on his research on Monday, March 31 at the three-day PB-ESA meeting at the Embassy Suites, Napa and received the award then. The PB-ESA encompasses 10 states and part of Canada.
He will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the ESA annual meeting, to be held Nov. 16-19 in Reno, a $100 cash prize and a certificate.
Larry Godfrey, president of the PB-ESA and a UC Davis entomologist, praised Barker for his “excellent scholarly record, productive research and involvement in departmental activities.”
“His research on patterns of mosquito abundance over time and space is innovative,” Godfrey said, “and the results will have important implications for mosquito management. He noted that “Chris promotes entomology through talks to elementary school classes and has assisted with insect identification at Davis High School. He has, overall, been an excellent representative of the department.”
"Chris is one of our up and coming stars," said Lynn Kimsey, chair of the Department of Entomology. " We are pleased to see him receive this recognition from the Entomological Society of America."
Barker, who received his bachelor of science degree in biology and his master of science degree in entomology from Virginia Tech, earned his master’s degree in epidemiology from UC Davis in 2005, working with major professor and medical entomologist Bruce Eldridge. He plans to complete his doctorate in entomology this year, and is studying with both research entomologist William Reisen and Eldridge.
Using Bayesian statistical methods that account for spatial and temporal dependence among trap counts, Barker has developed statewide models that address regional differences in phenology and predictor responses of two mosquitoes of public-health importance, Culex tarsalis and the Culex pipiens complex. Both transmit West Nile virus.
Using these models, he has examined the effects of early-season meteorological conditions and the extent of adjacent larval habitat on the abundance of adult female mosquitoes. His research also will consider long-term trends in vector abundance and their relation to arboviral transmission in California.
Barker is the recipient of numerous awards, including the William C. Reeves New Investigator Award from the Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California, the Hazeltine Student Research Fellowship from UC Davis, and a travel award from the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. He has published six peer-reviewed papers and 10 proceedings papers.
A member of ESA, the UC Davis doctoral student has participated in its annual meetings since 2000.
Back to News
--Kathy Keatley Garvey
Communications specialist
UC Davis Department of Entomology
(530) 754-6894
