Corey Brelsfoard, Ph.D.

Education

• Postdoc, Yale University (2010)
• Ph.D., University of Kentucky (2009)
• M.S., Eastern Illinois University (2005)
• B.S., Eastern Illinois University (2003)

Research Interests:

Vector-borne diseases pose a significant threat to public health globally, and our research endeavors are committed to unraveling the complexities of disease transmission and devising innovative strategies for their prevention and control. The Brelsfoard lab research group, is dedicated to advancing our understanding of vector-borne diseases, particularly focusing on three core research areas:

1. Novel Insect Control and Ecological Impacts:

Research in the Brelsfoard lab investigates cutting-edge approaches for insect control and examines the ecological interactions that these control measures trigger. By examining novel forms of insect control, we aim to develop strategies that effectively target disease vectors while minimizing adverse effects on non-target insects. This work not only contributes to the development of innovative vector control methods but also enhances our understanding of the delicate ecological balance within vector populations. The lab also recently received funding through a Texas Tech University and USDA funded seed grant to investigate the rates of spatial dissemination and non-target effects of a highly potent insecticide that is used for a novel mosquito control approach.

2. Impact of Environmental Pollutants:

We are committed to examining the impact of environmental pollutants, with a particular focus on microplastics, on the transmission dynamics of vector-borne diseases. As microplastics become increasingly ubiquitous in our environment, understanding how they influence mosquito biology, microbiome composition, and vector competence is paramount. Our research team has already demonstrated the perturbing effects of microplastic ingestion on the mosquito microbiome, their ubiquitous presence in the environment, and the potential implications for disease transmission. This research is novel and offers critical insights into an emerging environmental factor that may shape the future of vector-borne disease dynamics.

3. Pathogen-Host Interactions:

The Brelsfoard lab is engaged in an in-depth exploration of the complex interactions between pathogens, such as arboviruses, and their insect hosts. This research illuminates the intricate mechanisms underlying disease transmission and dissemination. Our findings not only advance our knowledge of pathogen-vector interactions but also hold significant promise for the development of targeted interventions to disrupt these interactions and mitigate disease spread. Our multidisciplinary approach incorporates state-of-the-art techniques, including molecular tools, in vitro cell culture, live insect rearing, and fieldwork. These methodologies enable us to investigate vector-borne diseases at various levels, from the molecular and cellular scale to the broader ecological context.

Selected Publications:

Ahmad, H., Aool, W., Anyango, V., Nakayaki, T. M., Mulwa, F., Chelangat, B., Lutwama, J., Kayondo, J. K., Lukindu, M., Mutisya, J., Lutomiah, J., Hensley, L. E., Cohnstaedt, L. W., Onyango, M., Brelsfoard, C. (2026). Development and characterization of microsatellite genetic markers for Hyalomma rufipes, a tick vector of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus. Ecology and Evolution. 5;16(2):e73064. 

Kumar, N., Van-Alstyne, K., Mains, J. W., Brelsfoard, C. (2026). Inexpensive and reproducible 3D printed mosquito emergence containers. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.  

Sherman, T., Reed, K. J., Anderson, T. K., Brelsfoard, C., Cohnstaedt, L. w., Stenglein, M. D., Mayo, C. E. (2026). Optimized library preparation, sequencing, and data analysis protocols for the generation of orbivirus consensus sequences. BMC Genomics. 

Anyango, V., Aool, W., Lukindu, M., Nakayaki, T., Lutwama, J., Kayondo, J. K., Phillips, C., Lutomiah, J., Mutisya, J., Brelsfoard, C., Onyango, M. (2026) Molecular detection of medically important Rickettsiae, including Rickettsia Prowazekii in Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and Hyalomma rufipes: A microbiome perspective. Ticks Tick Borne Diseases, 17(1). 

Covey, H., Wilson, R., Gurrola-Mares, Y., McMillan, J., Brelsfoard, C. (2025). The thermal stress response of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus when exposed to rapid temperature changes. Parasites & Vectors. 

Ramirez, A., Matthews, M., Brelsfoard, C. (2025) A comparison of the structure and diversity of the microbial communities of Culicoides midges. Acta Tropica, 266. 

McConnel, G., Cuellar, D., Arole, K. D., Dasari, S. S., Green, M., Canas-Carrell, J., Brelsfoard, C. (2024). Characterization of microplastics found in mosquito oviposition habitats.. Journal of vector ecology : journal of the Society for Vector Ecology, 50(1), 39-47. 

Omme, S. F., Junyao, W., Sifuna, M., Rodriguez, J., Owusu Ntim, R., Goli, M., Jiang, P., Purba, W., Nwaiwu, J., Brelsfoard, C., Vigneron, A., Ciota, A. T., Kramer, L. D., Mechref, Y., Onyango, M. G. (2024). Multi-omics analysis of antiviral interactions of Elizabethkingia anophelis and Zika virus. Scientific Reports. 

Kancharlapalli, S. J., Brelsfoard, C. L. (2024). The impact of non-lethal doses of pyriproxyfen on male and female Aedes albopictus reproductive !tness. Frontiers in Insect Science, 4. 

McConnel, G. M., Lawson, J., Canas-Carrell, J., Brelsfoard, C. (2024). The effects of nano- and micro plastic ingestion on the survivorship and reproduction of Aedes aegypti (L.) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse). Environmental Entomology, 53(4), 594-603. 

Edwards, C.-C., McConnel, G., Ramos, D., Gurrola-Mares, Y., Arole, K., Green, M. J., Canas-Carrell, J., Brelsfoard, C. (2023). Microplastic ingestion perturbs the microbiome of Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti. Journal of Medical Entomology, 60(5). 

Kancharlapalli, S. J., Surowiec, K., Longing, S., Brelsfoard, C. (2022). Nectar Source and Pollinator Cross Contamination and Persistence of Pyriproxyfen Associated with the Use of Autodissemination Techniques for Mosquito Control. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, 38(3), 175-187. 

Matthews, M. L., Covey, H., Drolet, B., Brelsfoard, C. (2022). Wolbachia walbB inhibits bluetongue and epizootic hemorrhagic fever virus in Culicoides midge cells. Medical and Veterinary Entomology, 36(3). 

Skinner, K. M., Underwood, J., Chavez, A. S., Ghosh, A., Brelsfoard, C. (2022). Wolbachia impacts Anaplasma infection in Ixodes scapularis tick cells. International Journal of Research and Public Health, 19, 1051. 

Kancharlapalli, S. J., Crabtree, C., Surowiec, M. G., Longing, S., Brelsfoard, C. (2021). Indirect transfer of pyriproxyfen to European honey bees via an autodissemination approach. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. 

Shultz, P., Cohnstaedt, L., Adelman, Z., Brelsfoard, C. (2021). Next generation tools for the management of biting midge populations to reduce pathogen transmission. 

Krafsur, A. L., Ghosh, A., Brelsfoard, C. L. (2020). Phenotypic response of Wolbachia pipientis in a cell free medium. 

Covey, H., Hall, R. H., Krafsur, A., Matthews, M. L., Shultz, P., Brelsfoard, C. L. (2020). Cryptic Wolbachia detection and prevalence in Culicoides midge populations in the United States. Journal of Medical Etnomology. 

Ghosh, A., Jasperson, D., Cohnstaedt, L. W., Brelsfoard, C. (2019). Transfection of Culicoides sonorensis biting midge cell lines with Wolbachia pipientis. Parasites & Vectors, 12(1), 483. 

Brelsfoard, C., Mains, J. W., Mulligan, S., Cornel, A., Holeman, J., Kluh, S., Leal, A., Hribar, L. J., Morales, H., Posey, T., Dobson, S. L. (2019). Aedes aegypti Males as Vehicles for Insecticide Delivery. Insects, 10(8).