Education and Professional Training
(in reverse chronological order)

Post-doctoral stints:

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Parasitic Diseases, Atlanta , GA , Laboratory of Tovi Lehmann (2001 - 2003).

Much of this work focused on the microevolution and molecular epidemiology of the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii . In collaboration with J.P. Dubey at the U.S.D.A., we used PCR-RFLP profiles, microsatellite genotypes, and sequence data from T. gondii isolates obtained from a variety of animal hosts and geographic locations to 1) determine the relationship between infecting strain and disease manifestation, 2) determine the incidence of multi-strain infections, 3) develop the capacity to trace cases of an outbreak to a suspected source, 4) gain a better understanding of the genetic structure of T. gondii populations and 5) make inferences about the evolutionary history of this species. (See related publications)

• Center for Tropical Disease Research and Training, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Laboratory of David W. Severson (2000 - 2001).

This research centered on elucidating the molecular genetics of meiotic drive loci in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, with a (long-term!) view to harnessing these selfish DNA sequences to drive genes of interest (i.e. genes that confer refractoriness to disease transmission) into laboratory mosquito populations. (See related publications)

Ph.D. Microbiology (1999), Colorado State University . Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology. Laboratories of William C. Black and Barry J. Beaty.

Dissertation title: Genetic analysis of Transovarial Transmission of LaCrosse virus in Aedes triseriatus (this species has since been placed in the genus Ochlerotatus). This research dissected the genetic mechanisms (from the standpoint of the insect vector) by which LaCrosse virus disseminates from the tissues of an infected mosquito to those of her developing embryos. Additional work involved mapping loci that condition sex ratio distortion in this species. (See related publications)

Advanced Placement Biology Teacher, Kent School , CT (1988 - 1994).

M.A. Geography (1986), University of Florida. Thesis supervisor: Peter R. Waylen.

Thesis title: The Samuel Dam: Land Use, Soil erosion, and Sedimentation in Amazonia. I examined the downstream impact of deforestation on the economic life of the Samuel dam in the Brazilian state of Rondônia. This included soil sampling, surveying, measuring sediment loads, and satellite image interpretation (plus the unwitting acquisition of many interesting parasites!). This also entailed extensive data gathering and interviews with officials in São Paulo, Brazilia, Manaus, and Porto Velho.

B.A. Biology (1983), Denison University