Dr. Geoff Attardo

I am an assistant professor with a background in entomology, molecular biology and genetics. My work focuses on the reproductive biology of insect vectors of human disease. The primary subjects of my work have been mosquitoes and tsetse flies.

My graduate work at Michigan State University dealt with understanding how female mosquitoes regulate gene expression in response to blood feeding. In my work as a postdoctoral associate and research scientist I studied the reproductive biology and genetics of tsetse flies, unique insects that lactate and give birth to live young! My lab will continue to explore the fascinating biology underlying the reproduction of this important vector insect. This work covers multiple areas of reproduction in tsetse including nutrition; analysis of genes associated with reproduction; the role symbiotic bacteria play in tsetse reproduction; and the interactions between insect vectors and the parasites they vector.

In addition to my science work I also enjoy photography, illustration and 3D modeling. When I can, I try to incorporate my passion for art with science to clearly communicate concepts to non-scientists. I've included a multimedia section of this site from which you can view collection of galleries containing representative samples of photography, illustrations, artwork and videos. I have also included a list of  publications which link to their associated pages at the Pubmed database. Feel free to get in touch or come for a visit to the lab. The contact information for the lab is on the Contact link.

Nicole Rodrigues

I am a PhD candidate in the Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology program. I am currently a Leaders of the Future Fellow am pursuing a Designated Emphasis in Biotechnology. I am interested in the effects that forest fires can have on mosquito reproduction and development—especially since unfortunately, both forest fires and mosquitoes are not going away any time soon.

I earned my B.S. in Cellular and Molecular Biology with a minor in Computer Applications from San Francisco State University. During my time there, I conducted research in the Riggs lab, where I worked on Drosophila melanogaster. I was in a team looking at genetic interactions leading to the asymmetric cell division of the endoplasmic reticulum. Subsequently, I worked on Stentor in a collaboration between the Marshall lab at the University of California San Francisco and the Riggs lab. I was investigating tools that could be used to better understand what organelles, at what densities were required for Stentor's regeneration.

I enjoy drawing, crafting and going outside for Pokémon Go.

Carla-Cristina “CC” Edwards

I am PhD student in the Entomology program, where my research will be focused on investigating the physiological mechanisms underlying pyrethroid resistance in Aedes aegypti (the yellow fever mosquito). I was a McNair scholar at Baylor University, where I completed my undergraduate degree in Cell and Molecular Biology in May 2021. I got interested in the mosquito field through my undergraduate research of studying the sensory and oviposition responses of Aedes aegypti in relation to the compound geosmin. I went on to do my masters at Texas Tech University under the advisement of Dr. Corey Brelsfoard where I graduated the Summer of 2023. I investigated the effects of microplastics in relation to the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (the Asian tiger mosquito).

When I am not in the lab, I enjoy getting involved with my local community by helping out and getting involved in scientific outreach. In my free time, I like getting coffee with my friends, running, and trying new crafts and recipes.

Current CV LinkedIn

Taylor Kelly

I am a PhD student in the Entomology graduate group interested in vector metabolism, reproduction, and mechanisms of insecticide resistance. I’ve always been fascinated by insects, and I studied the web-spinning insect order Embioptera while completing a BS in biology and a minor in chemistry at Santa Clara University. Following my graduation, I worked as a lab manager at NASA Ames, where I studied lipid preservation in Mars analog environments and helped develop technology for life detection on Icy Worlds. I am overjoyed to return to field of Entomology to investigate mosquitoes and tsetse flies. I love running and crafting, and I am passionate about bringing awareness to the interconnected nature of poverty and vector transmitted disease.

Nicole Tam

I am an alumna of the University of California, Davis with a bachelor's degree in Entomology. Currently, I am the lab manager of Dr. Attardo's lab. My interests lie in medical entomology, especially vector-borne diseases and the insects that carry them. Although my previous experience was with Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus, I am excited to have the opportunity to work with tsetse flies. 

During my free time, I enjoy creating artwork, going outdoors, and caring for my various reptiles and arthropods.  

Tess van Schoor

I am an fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Biological Sciences and Spanish. My interests include medical microbiology and infectious disease medicine. In my free time, I enjoy doing yoga and playing with my 3 cats. I plan to attend medical school and become a physician specializing in infectious disease medicine.

Joceline Arguellez

I am a fifth-year undergraduate student double majoring in Animal Biology and History. I started my interest in entomology with my amazement about the physiology of insects and their social interactions. From there, I realized insects had even smaller organisms within them that were fascinating, and so a new love for medical entomology blossomed from there. I plan to go to graduate school to study more about infectious disease, but I also have interests in the law field, so I’ll see where life takes me. In my free time, I love to play video games and watch my favorite shows.

Madison Lawton

I am a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Global Disease Biology. I plan on pursuing a career in public health and further pursuing research in infectious disease medicine. My interests lie in parasitology and tropical vector-borne diseases within the One Health approach, which emphasizes the application of multidisciplinary fields working collaboratively to improve and promote human and animal health.  During my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors and immersing myself in a good book.

Joe Laughlin

I am a current undergraduate student majoring in Global Disease Biology.  I plan to pursue a graduate degree in Entomology focusing on vector-borne disease and hope to work with tsetse flies, phlebotomine sand flies, and mosquitos.  I want to leverage my knowledge and experience of medicine and disease obtained throughout my travels, after five years as a Hospital Corpsman in the U.S. Navy, to better understand vector-borne diseases.  I have experience treating vector-borne disease from the Middle East, South Pacific, and Central and South America.

Aamina Zahid

I am an undergraduate student majoring in Global Disease Biology and minoring in Public Health. I am interested in vector-borne diseases and the fundamental approach of eliminating preventable diseases and responding to outbreaks in developing countries. I plan on pursuing graduate studies in Public Health and Infectious disease medicine and in the future, I hope to work for global agencies, such as WHO or NIH. In my free time, I like to practice photography and spend time outdoors.

Joshua Cluck

I am a senior undergraduate student and entomology major. I am hoping to continue my studies next fall as a graduate student in medical entomology, and I am passionate about studying tsetse flies and other disease vectors. In my free time, I love spending time outdoors, learning about nature, and doing taxidermy work.

Xintong Li

Jennifer Price

Elizabeth Roth