Maria G. Onyango, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Department of Biological Sciences

Email: maonyang@ttu.edu

Phone: +1 (806) 834-7002

Virology, Medical entomology, Microbiome, Vector - Virus evolution

Research Groups: Virology & Vector-borne Diseases

Education:

BSc. (Biochemistry and Zoology) The University of Nairobi, Kenya
MSc. (Applied Parasitology) The University of Nairobi, Kenya
PhD. (Veterinary entomology) Deakin University, Australia
Postdoctoral training:

- Yale School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases
- Arbovirus Laboratory, Wadsworth center, New York State department of Health

Onyango Lab Research Program

Onyango's Lab interest is in uncovering the factors that drive regional heterogeneity in the manifestation of diseases caused by arthropod-borne viruses.

Applying an interdisciplinary approach, the long-term goal for all our work is to generate crucial knowledge that informs a targeted approach for disease control and strategic vector management.

Ongoing Projects

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