Venesky Lab Overview

Welcome to the Venesky Lab. I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology and the Director of Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities (URSCA) at Allegheny College. 

My undergraduate students and I have interests that span many sub-disciplines of biology and include ecology, physiology, behavior, and conservation. However, the primary aim of the research in my lab is related to the ecology and physiology of host-parasite interactions. We conduct our research using two model systems: (1) amphibians and the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and (2) ticks, small mammals, and Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb). Bd causes the emerging infectious disease Chytridiomycosis and it is one of the factors associated with global amphibian population declines. Bb causes Lyme Disease, the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. 

Use the links above to navigate this site and view more details on my current and past research projects, publications, and photos. Enjoy!