Invertebrate Ecological Immunology. Dr. Lisa Brown’s research aims to determine the genetic and environmental factors that impact the immune system of arthropod vectors that transmit disease. Because arthropod vectors are ectothermic animals, the efficiency of their immune system is strongly dependent on ambient temperature. Likewise, the development of many pathogens within vectors is known to be temperature sensitive. Thus, climate change is expected to influence the prevalence and intensity of infections in vector populations, which ultimately affects pathogen transmission to humans and animals.

Research Plan for REU Participant:Students will participate in both field and laboratory experiments to examine the impact of climate change on vector immunity and ecology. Research projects include: (1) measure the prevalence of vector-borne pathogens in the southeastern coastal plain via arthropod collection (fleas, mosquitoes, ticks) and molecular analyses; (2) determine the effect of temperature fluctuations on the immune response of fleas to different pathogens; and (3) identify environmental factors that determine the prevalence and intensity of ticks parasitizing gopher tortoises (collaboration with Dr. Elizabeth Hunter).

Visit Dr. Brown's website for more information