OUR RESEARCH
Biological Aspects
Our research directions in this aspect are (a) Mosquito Biology and Control, (b) Population Biology and Genomics of Mosquito Vectors and (c) Mosquito Vector Microbiome. We investigate the developmental biology of mosquito vectors and use biological control approaches for its control. In population biology, we utilize both wing geometric morphometrics and genetic markers (e.g. microsatellites, SNPs) in determining the population structure of mosquito vectors. We are also conducting microbiome surveys (virus and bacteria) in medically-important mosquitoes. In addition, we are developing rapid nanobiosensor kits for detecting important pathogens in mosquitoes.
Ecological Aspects
In this aspect, we conduct regular mosquito surveillance and determine environmental factors affecting its abundance and distribution. We are developing innovative traps for surveillance which tries to reduce human intervention. Landscape and climate patterns can shape the various aspect of vector-borne disease. We utilize machine learning approaches in determining the interaction of these environmental features not only in mosquito occurrence but also vector-borne disease epidemiology. Furthermore, we would like to develop an index and dashboard on vector-borne disease risk based on environmental factors. We also employ landscape genetics in shaping the population genetic structure of mosquitoes.
Sociological Aspects
We are using qualitative research designs and methods in understanding the community level perspective about vector-borne diseases. We are also exploring non-conventional epidemiological indicators (e.g. Google Trends, Twitter) to determine the health behavior of a population regarding vector-borne diseases. In addition we are investigating the role of mobility in disease distribution and spread.
Our research directions in this aspect are (a) Mosquito Biology and Control, (b) Population Biology and Genomics of Mosquito Vectors and (c) Mosquito Vector Microbiome. We investigate the developmental biology of mosquito vectors and use biological control approaches for its control. In population biology, we utilize both wing geometric morphometrics and genetic markers (e.g. microsatellites, SNPs) in determining the population structure of mosquito vectors. We are also conducting microbiome surveys (virus and bacteria) in medically-important mosquitoes. In addition, we are developing rapid nanobiosensor kits for detecting important pathogens in mosquitoes.
Ecological Aspects
In this aspect, we conduct regular mosquito surveillance and determine environmental factors affecting its abundance and distribution. We are developing innovative traps for surveillance which tries to reduce human intervention. Landscape and climate patterns can shape the various aspect of vector-borne disease. We utilize machine learning approaches in determining the interaction of these environmental features not only in mosquito occurrence but also vector-borne disease epidemiology. Furthermore, we would like to develop an index and dashboard on vector-borne disease risk based on environmental factors. We also employ landscape genetics in shaping the population genetic structure of mosquitoes.
Sociological Aspects
We are using qualitative research designs and methods in understanding the community level perspective about vector-borne diseases. We are also exploring non-conventional epidemiological indicators (e.g. Google Trends, Twitter) to determine the health behavior of a population regarding vector-borne diseases. In addition we are investigating the role of mobility in disease distribution and spread.