|
Meet the 2012 Field and Lab Crew
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Isis Kuczaj
Doctoral Student- Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences,
Wildlife Disease Ecology and Conservation Medicine Specialization
Mentor: Dr. Jean Tsao
Fieldsite: Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin
I am interested in the effects of vector and host distribution, abundance, and behavior, and the interactions of these variables, on disease transmission dynamics. Currently, I am looking at diurnal questing behavior and comparison of sampling methods of I. scapularis ticks in Wisconsin.
Email: isisk487@gmail.com
|
|
|
Genevieve Pang
Doctoral Student- Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences,
Wildlife Disease Ecology and Conservation Medicine Specialization
Mentor: Dr. Jean Tsao
Fieldsite: Tall Timbers Research Station, Florida
This summer I am making observations in the field that will inspire future projects. I am also working on a project that compares different methods of sampling tick density. Some of my interests include behavioral interactions between hosts and parasites, spatial mapping, and the effects of changing landscapes on disease prevalence.
Email: gcpang@gmail.com
|
|
 |
Cody Parmer
Field Technician
Post Baccalaureate,
University of Georgia
Fieldsite: Savannah River, South Carolina
I am interested in natural history, disease and behavioral ecology and
herpetology. This summer I will be looking at the diel activity of
both Amblyomma americanum and Ixodes scapularis and more particularly
how activity peaks in I. scapularis relate to the active and inactive
periods of its major reptile host, the broad-headed skink (Eumeces
laticeps).
|
|
|
Lydia Kramer
Field Assistant - Undergraduate Student
Major: Fisheries & Wildlife: Disease Ecology and Management
Mentor: Dr. Jean Tsao
Fieldsite: Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin
I am interested in wildlife disease ecology, so this hands on experience with Lyme disease is a perfect opportunity to gain knowledge and skill in what I hope to be my future career field.
I look forward to learning from this team and spending my summer with them.
Email: kramerl4@msu.edu
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rick Gerhold
Postdoctoral Fellow
The Center for Wildlife Health
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Mentor: Dr. Graham Hickling
Fieldsites: Arnold Airforce Base, Tennessee; Oakmulgee Talladega National Forest, Alabama
My interests include the ecology, pathogenesis, and diagnostics associated with wildlife diseases, especially the interactions of the disease agents and their hosts. Additionally I am interested in transmission routes, evolutionary relationships, and mechanisms of host immune evasion strategies among parasites.
Email: rgerhold@utk.edu |
|
|
Lauren Maestas
Masters Student - Wildlife & Fisheries Science
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Mentor: Dr. Graham Hickling
Fieldsites: Arnold Airforce Base, Tennessee; Oakmulgee Talladega National Forest, Alabama; Mattamuskeete NWR, NC
I am interested in wildlife ecology and disease ecology. My current focus is on wildlife diseases, ticks and
vector-borne zoonotic disease.
I am from the beautiful state of New Mexico.
Email: mountain_taimer@yahoo.com
|
|
|
Teresa Moody
Masters Student - Wildlife & Fisheries Science
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Mentor: Dr. Graham Hickling
Fieldsites: Arnold Airforce Base, Tennessee; Oakmulgee Talladega National Forest, Alabama
I am taking a break in my formal education and what better way to do that than to gain field experience in this exciting area? My main interests during my undergraduate education at UT Martin were herpetology and environmental eduction. I aim to absorb and contribute as much as possible about ticks and wildlife health while working on this project
Email: terdmood@ut.utm.edu
|
 |
|
Kaetlyn Kerr
Master's Student - Biology Department
Hofstra University, New York
Mentor: Dr. Russell Burke
Fieldsite: Savannah River Site, South Carolina
This research is a great opportunity for me to learn more about vector and host ecology, disease transmission, and a wide variety of field research techniques. I will be looking at tick locations on hosts, particularly lizards vs. small mammals in the southeast.
Email: kaetlyn.kerr@gmail.com |
|
|
Kristin Anicito
Field Assistant- Undergraduate Student
in Ecology and Evolution
Hofstra University, New York
Mentor: Dr. Russell Burke
Fieldsite: Savannah River, South Carolina
This is my first time working in the field and it is amazing - as is this project! I've had Lyme disease before so this is a huge interest of mine.
Email: Kanicito@yahoo.com
|
|
|
Cynthia Chan
Masters Student- Biological Sciences
Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior & Molecular Biology
Specializations
Mentor: Dr. Lorenza Beati
Fieldsite: Savannah River Site, South Carolina
I am interested in learning more about how assortative mating influences genetic diversity of Ixodes scapularis on different host organisms. I am currently studying genetic variation in I. scapularis via microsatellite and mitochondrial genes.
Email: CynthiaT.Chan@gmail.com
|
|
|
Eric L. Rulison
Research Associate - Department of Plant Sciences
Mentors: Drs. Russell Burke and Howard Ginsberg
Field site: Cape Cod National Seashore, Cape Cod Massachusetts
I am interested in the interactions between I. scapularis and their hosts, the ecology of the hosts, and management of host species. Additionally, I am interested in the natural history of reptiles and amphibians, meso- and large mammals, and human interactions with those species.
Email: elrulison@gmail.com |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
