NEWVEC Summer Academy
Registration for the next Summer Academy will open in early 2026.
Are you ready to step into the world of vector-borne diseases?
We aim to inspire the next generation of vector biologists and medical entomologists through hands-on training in vector biology and vector-borne disease prevention. This three-day training program provides students with foundational knowledge, practical skills, and exposure to real-world research. Summer Academy fosters interest in vector-related careers while promoting collaboration and scientific curiosity across New England.
Experience hands-on training in
mosquito and tick identification
surveillance
field collection
modern laboratory diagnostics
Learn from experts in vector control:
John Briggs, program director of Pioneer Valley Mosquito Control.
Mileena Ryan, Laboratory Technician at UMass Amherst with the Laboratory of Medical Zoology and NEWVEC
The NEWVEC Summer Academy is more than just a training program. It’s an opportunity to gain real experience, learn from experts, and take the first step toward a career in vector-borne disease research.
Day 1: Ecology and Field Techniques
Morning Session: Introduction to Vector Ecology
Program instructors John Briggs and Nolan Fernandez started with an overview of tick and mosquito ecology. Participants explored the life cycles of these two vectors, the diseases they transmit, and the environmental conditions that influence their activity. This session also introduced common surveillance tools like light and gravid traps used by public health professionals.
Afternoon Session: Field Techniques
In a wooded area of campus students observed hands-on techniques for collecting mosquitoes and ticks. Participants learned how to flag for ticks, sample mosquito larvae from aquatic habitats, and check traps used in CDC surveillance. The session included safety protocols and best practices for collecting, documenting, and handling samples in real-world settings. In the span of about one hour nine students collected approximately 150 ticks!
John Briggs, program director of Pioneer Valley Mosquito Control, shows Summer Academy students a CDC light trap.
Day 2: Tick and Mosquito Identification and Entomology Basics
Morning Session: Mosquito ID and Entomology Basics
In this session John Briggs dove into mosquito identification and covered insect morphology, life stages, and species of regional importance. Participants practiced using dichotomous keys and identification guides while gaining hands-on experience with dissection microscopes to examine adult and larval mosquitoes.
Afternoon Session: Tick ID and Microscopy
Nolan Fernandez led an interactive session on tick identification, guiding participants through the characteristics of larvae, nymphs, and adult ticks. Attendees used microscopes to observe different life stages and gain confidence in distinguishing species found throughout New England.
Day 3: Molecular Diagnostics and Career Pathways
Morning Session: Pathogen Detection in the Lab
Under the guidance of Mileena Ryan, participants explored molecular techniques used in vector-borne disease research. This session included examples of DNA extraction, an introduction to qPCR testing, and lessons on interpreting diagnostic results.
Afternoon Session: Career Pathways and Closing Panel
The program concluded with a roundtable discussion with Summer Academy instructors and an additional NEWVEC staff member, Jane Derderian. As entomologists, lab scientists, and public health professionals, the staff engaged students in a discussion of careers in vector biology, research, and disease prevention, and their unique paths that led to NEWVEC. Attendees asked questions, reflected on their experiences, and networked.
John Briggs teaches students mosquito anatomy.
Mileena Ryan shows students around the lab before they learn how to use the equipment.
Testimonials,
Demographics, and Impact
(Hover over the charts below to see the data.)
According to pre-program and post-program surveys, Summer Academy students increased their knowledge by an average 50% over the course of this three-day training.
“Learning techniques associated with qPCR and tick/mosquito morphology [was most valuable].”
Simeon Mercier, Berkshire Community College
“I wasn’t expecting to end this training being so excited about this field!”
Renée Hill, Holyoke Community College
“I loved learning [tick and mosquito] identification and qPCR! Everything opened my eyes regarding these insects (and arachnids) and I’m so happy that I participated.”
Karlie Moriarty, Holyoke Community College
“Having the housing and food covered was honestly key. I would not have been able to participate without that and staying so close to the lab really helped me focus on the material.”
Michael Baldon, Cape Cod Community College
