Maria G. Onyango, Ph.D.

Onyango Lab Research Program

The Onyango Lab investigates the biological and ecological mechanisms that govern the emergence, persistence, and transmission of arthropod-borne viruses—major and growing threats to global public health. By studying mosquitoes and ticks as integrated biological systems, we define how vector genetics, microbial communities, behavior, and environmental context shape pathogen transmission. Integrating laboratory infection models, field-based ecology, high-throughput sequencing, and AI-enabled surveillance technologies, our work addresses critical gaps in arbovirus biology and informs more effective vector-control and disease-prevention strategies within a One Health framework.

Ongoing Projects

1. Assessing the impact of diet on susceptibility to dengue virus infection
2. Assessment of Aedes aegypti molecular responses to genetically distinct Zika Virus strains
3. Identification of intrahost genetic mutants of global ZIKV strains
4. Uncovering the mechanism of innate immune response to Aedes albopictus saliva microbiome
5. Delineating factors driving disparities in Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever disease outbreaks in unique habitats in the East African pastoralist zones.