Welcome to the Vector Biology Lab in the School of Biology and Ecology at the University of Maine! Our research focuses on the ecology of infectious diseases of humans and wildlife that are transmitted by arthropod vectors. We use lab and field studies in conjunction with geographic, quantitative, and molecular tools to address questions related to 1) understanding the basic biology of arthropod vectors and the socio-environmental conditions that enhance disease transmission, 2) developing effective, sustainable vector management strategies that are grounded in ecological theory, and 3) predicting future hotspots of transmission to facilitate targeted public health prevention and intervention efforts. Current projects include studying the invasion of the blacklegged tick and Lyme disease in Maine, investigating the ecology of a mosquito vector for Zika virus in the Bahamas, and understanding the interactions between risk of exposure to vector-borne disease and economic interests (e.g., timber harvesting, tourism) at local and international spatial scales. Please contact the principal investigator, Dr. Allie Gardner, for more information!