Joseph McMillan, Ph.D.

Research Interests

The lab's research broadly investigates the eco-epidemiology and control of zoonotic, vector-borne pathogens. Within this context, I focus primarily on mosquitoes and arboviruses. My aim is to use ecological and empirical approaches to elucidate the mechanisms of arbovirus amplification and perpetuation in human-dominated environments and to suppress zoonotic arbovirus spillover into human populations. To this end, my primary research approaches include mosquito surveillance, semi-natural and in-lab experiments, diagnostic testing,  and quantitative methods.

Current projects include:

• Quantitative analysis of longitudinal mosquito and arbovirus surveillance data to identify metrics of ecological and epidemiological risk
• Investigate influence of biopesticides on mosquito larval community assembly and interspecific interactions

Projects in development include:

• Evaluate and improve integrated pest management solutions for Culex tarsalis
• Quantify West Nile virus transmission networks among Culex tarsalis and Culex pipiens complex
• Island biogeography theory as a mechanism of Aedes aegypti expansion in the southwest US
• Determine relationship mosquito microbiome composition and pesticide effectiveness

Lab Website

Publications