This study will address spatial heterogeneity of parasite and resource distribution in nature and its effect on food web dynamics and persistence, utilizing the western treehole mosquito at HREC as a model. The dissertation in progress will incorporate mathematical modeling, laboratory and field studies to address these theoretical issues.

To understand the parasite-host interactions of malaria in lizards.

1) Study the vector-pathogen-host interrelationships of the Lyme disease sprirochete and other tick-borne human pathogens in a known endemic area; 2) determine its vector specificity; and 3) study the bionomics of certain ticks with respect to vegetational type, temporal, seasonal, meteorological, and hostal factors.