Virginia Tech® home

Infectious Disease & Vector Biology

Student observing a sample with forceps in a lab.

Humans are challenged by a variety of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Many of these pathogens are transmitted by arthropod vectors. Our faculty study fundamental properties of these pathogens as well as the vectors that transmit them, from microbial to organismal scales. By understanding how these pathogens are transmitted and infect humans, our faculty are devising control strategies for mitigating their impacts.

Areas of interest

  • Vector insect thermal adaptations
  • Mosquito host-seeking behavior
  • Insect developmental pathways
  • Sex determination and control
  • Host-microbe interactions
  • Influence of climate change on vector range
  • Biochemistry of pathogenesis

Faculty

  • Bio Item
    Michael Klemba
    Michael Klemba , bio

    Associate Professor and Director of Biochemistry Study Abroad Programs: Biochemistry and Drug Discovery of Malaria

  • Bio Item
    Chloe Lahondere
    Chloé Lahondère , bio

    Associate Professor Mechanisms of Thermal Adaption in Insects

  • Bio Item
    Zhijian (Jake) Tu
    Zhijian (Jake) Tu , bio

    University Distinguished Professor Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics of Mosquito-Borne Diseases

  • Bio Item
    Clement Vinauger
    Clément Vinauger , bio

    Associate Professor: Molecular Genetics of Host-Seeking Behavior in Insects

  • Bio Item
    jinsongzhu2
    Jinsong Zhu , bio

    Professor and Director of the Undergraduate Program, Associate Department Head Genetic Mechanisms of Mosquito Reproduction