Kansas State University

US Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6 scientist to present seminar on Nov. 5

Submitted by Berlin L. Londono

Gissella Vasquez, deputy director of the entomology department at the U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6, will visit the entomology department on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

She will present "Experimental infection of colonized Anopheles darlingi with Plasmodium vivax: A valuable tool for malaria research" at 4 p.m. Nov. 5 in 231 Waters Hall, the conference room.

Vasquez's research focuses primarily on insect behavior, chemical ecology and molecular biology. She is currently leading research efforts in medical entomology with emphasis on malaria, dengue and leishmaniasis vectors, and has established collaborations with host-nation and international research groups interested in developing basic and applied programs in vector ecology, behavior and vectorparasite interactions. One of her group's most important research contributions has been the colonization of Anopheles darlingi, the most important malaria vector in the Amazon region, and the establishment of a unique Plasmodium vivax sporozoite production system, both valuable and unique resources for malaria vaccine and drug research.

For more information, please email blondono@k-state.edu.