Welcome our new postdoctoral fellow at URI, Dr. Emily Burton

Emily Burton is a postdoctoral fellow in the College of the Environment and Life Sciences at the University of Rhode Island. She recently completed her PhD in Biological Sciences at Washington State University, where she studied the ecology and behavior of blacklegged ticks. As part of NEWVEC, she is collaborating with researchers on the human dimensions of tick-borne disease prevention, including the development of tools to assist decision making in tick control and management. She looks forward to working on projects with direct relevance to the general public. When she isn't working, Emily enjoys hiking, tending to her garden, and reading.

Distribution and Abundance of Piroplasms in White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Massachusetts

Jacqueline Borges is a master’s student in the

Laboratory of Medical Zoology at UMass Amherst,

where she studies microbiology. She is interested in the mechanisms of parasitic infection and her work focuses on surveillance of protozoan infections in white-tailed deer populations.

Assessing Cedarwood Oil-based Minimum Risk Pesticides for Managing Blacklegged Ticks in Residential Settings

Sophia Chiaia is a master’s student at Western Connecticut State University studying preventative measures for suppressing blacklegged ticks. Sophia’s work focuses on assessing the effectiveness of minimum risk natural products containing cedarwood oil for controlling blacklegged ticks in a residential setting. Outside of research, Sophia is leading a stewardship project to revitalize the Western Connecticut State Westside Nature Preserve and highlight its biodiversity to the community.

Understanding the Effectiveness of Tick Control Measures on Maine Properties

Michael Galli is a master’s student at the University of Maine, Orono, where he studies ticks on residential properties. Mike’s work focuses on how homeowners can protect themselves from Blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) by changing the landscaping on their property or by using pesticides.

Development of Novel Mosquito mRNA Internal Control for RT-qPCR Arbovirus Detection Assays

Nolan Stamborski is a master’s student in the Laboratory of Medical Zoology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He is interested in mosquito and arbovirus surveillance. Nolan’s work is centered around diagnostic assay development.

Do you want to create a hospitable environment for pollinators by letting the autumn leaves stay on the ground in your yard? Great! However, that is a perfect place for some tick species to overwinter as well. Instead of bagging up the leaves and removing them from your property entirely, rake them to the edge of the yard, into garden beds, around the base of trees, or anywhere else that you, your family, and pets won’t disturb them. And don’t forget to check for ticks when you’re done!

Depending on where you live or play these (right) are the ticks and the likelihood of an encounter during October. Adult blacklegged ticks start their active season usually after the first week of October and it only gets more intense from there, possibly lasting all the way through Thanksgiving.

Keep tucking in shirts and pant legs, and check for ticks regularly. Remember, tick bites are preventable. Use repellents that contain at least 20–30% DEET or .5% permethrin. Learn how HERE or download and print this flyer for your home or work space.