Part of Texas Tech University's Department of Biological Sciences since 2021
The McMillan lab's research broadly investigates the ecology, epidemiology, and control of zoonotic, vector-borne pathogens. Within this context, we aim to use ecological and empirical approaches to investigate the mechanisms of pathogen amplification and perpetuation in human-dominated environments and to suppress pathogen spillover into human populations. Our primary research approaches include public health surveillance, semi-natural and in-lab experiments, diagnostic testing, and computational methods. These objectives and methods are the binding force of the lab – lab members may work on different vector species and vector-borne pathogens; yet, we are all unified by our interests in and approaches to understanding vectors and vector-borne pathogen ecology.
Things are always changing in the McMillan lab, so check back often for updates and announcements.
On-campus information
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock campus, Biology Building
Contact: josmcmil@ttu.edu
About the cover photo: Ovaries and Tetrahymena spp. ciliates dissected from a female Culex pipiens mosquito collected from a catch basin in New Haven, CT November 2018. Dr. Theodore Andreadis assisted with capturing this image at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.