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Three local PhDs advancing the science of mosquito control

KEIRA LUCAS, Ph.D., CMCD
Deputy Executive Director
Ph.D. in Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics
from the University of California, Riverside
5 years at CMCD
“My focus in vector biology and mosquito-
borne disease led me to mosquito control. My
by Patrick Linn, MS, MSHAPI research interests have blossomed into understanding the ecology and
Executive Director, Collier Mosquito Control District physiology of each targeted mosquito species and tailoring management
plans to their specific vulnerabilities. Using applied sciences and
he more we know about
working with a diverse group of professionals at CMCD to develop a
mosquitoes – their biology,
science-based approach to mosquito control and make a difference in our
Tphysiology, and genetics – the more
community has been especially rewarding.”
we learn a how to control them and thus
protect public health. The Collier Mosquito
REBECCA HEINIG, Ph.D.,
Control District’s (CMCD) scientists
engage in detailed mosquito research Director of Research Ph.D. in Entomology from
The Pennsylvania State University
which informs and advances our integrated
4 years at CMCD
mosquito management (IMM). This program uses a variety of
Quote: “I’m a medical entomologist at heart,
methods to control mosquitoes based on sound science.
so CMCD has been a uniquely rewarding place
The remarkable work of three Ph.D. scientists on the
to work. On the entomological side, I’ve already
CMCD staff touches almost every aspect of our IMM program,
identified six new species that hadn’t been recorded in the county before,
including the extraction of mosquitoes’ DNA for disease testing
bringing our total number of known species to more than 50. On
in our laboratory and testing EPA-approved control materials
the human health side, we monitor several endemic arboviruses such
for their effectiveness against local mosquitoes.
as West Nile virus, but we also have some novel arboviruses whose
Not only is their work valued locally, but their in-depth
significance isn’t clear yet, giving our work a real sense of urgency and
research is contributing to a global industry. Since 2020, a few of
purpose. When you add in a supportive community and leadership
their accomplishments include:
that prioritizes strong science as a foundation for integrated mosquito
Detecting four mosquito species not seen previously in
management, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
Collier County, including Aedes scapularis, which can transmit
yellow fever, lymphatic filariasis and Venezuelan Equine ROBERT STRASER, Ph.D., CMCD,
Encephalitis. These mosquitoes were found in traps from
Research Entomologist Ph.D. in Entomology from
throughout the area.
the University of California, Riverside
Testing trapped mosquitoes weekly for virus using CMCD’s
1 year at CMCD
PCR machine (no sign of mosquito-borne disease is currently
Quote: “As an applied entomologist, I leverage
detected).
my experience in insect ecology and integrated pest
By invitation only, the team conducted ground testing
management to conduct research that informs and
of a new mosquito control material that could potentially
improves the District’s operations. It’s a privilege to work at CMCD
revolutionize the industry.
alongside diverse professionals with the shared goal of identifying safe
Want to know more about the science behind mosquito control? and effective solutions for maintaining the public health and well-being
Looking for someone to speak to your group’s next meeting? of residents in Collier County.”
Visit the District’s website at cmcd.org or call 239.436.1000.
Life in Naples | April 2023 71