Insects and Human Health
Insects and Human Health
Several of the research programs at the University of Kentucky Department of Entomology are currently investigating insects that can transmit diseases or that otherwise threaten public health. Read more about each program below.
Public Health Entomology Laboratory
Principal Investigator: Dr. Grayson Brown
Dr. Brown's laboratory investigates new ways to control and monitor insects that are of concern to public health officials. Currently, the laboratory focuses primarily on mosquitoes and sand flies, and the diseases they vector. This research is conducted in collaboration with public health agencies and private corporations. Visit the Public Entomology Laboratory homepage for more information.
Contact:
Dr. Grayson C. Brown
University of Kentucky
Department of Entomology
S-225 Agricultural Science Center North
Lexington, KY 40546-0091
859.257.3148 Office
859.323.1120 Fax
Email: gcbrown147@gmail.com
Mosquito Biology and Control
Principal Investigator: Dr. Stephen L. Dobson
The Dobson laboratory focuses on Wolbachia, a naturally-occuring genus of bacteria that infects mosquitoes and other insects. Because Wolbachia can manipulate reproduction in its host, the Dobson laboratory is studying ways to modify mosquito populations by selectively infecting them with Wolbachia. Visit the Dobson Laboratory homepage for more information.
Contact:
Dr. Stephen L. Dobson | Homepage
Mailing Address:
University of Kentucky
Department of Entomology
S-225 Agricultural Science Center North
Lexington, KY 40546-0091
(859) 257-4902 Office
(859) 257-5117 Lab
(859) 323-1120 Fax
Email: sdobson@email.uky.edu
Office Location: S-307D Agricultural Science Center North
Bed Bug Focus Group
Principal Investigators: Dr. Mike Potter, Dr. Kenneth Haynes, and Dr. Reddy Palli
In recent years, bed bugs have made a comeback, with pesticide-resistant populations of the pests showing up in urban areas all over the United States. A team of University of Kentucky researchers are working to improve understanding of bed bug behavior and biology, and to devise better means to control this important biting insect.
Contact:
Mailing Address:
University of Kentucky
Department of Entomology
S-225 Agricultural Science Center North
Lexington, KY 40546-0091
(859) 257-5955 Office
(859) 323-1120 Fax
