The risk of vector-borne diseases has grown steadily in our region. Invasive ticks and mosquitoes and newly emerged pathogens on an ever changing landscape drive that increasing risk to human health. NEWVEC was conceived by a core group of university researchers, public health practitioners in state and local agencies, and extension personnel looking to part from status quo. NEWVEC is setting a course to break down barriers to collaborative research by encouraging cooperation. NEWVEC is committed to matching public need with practical solutions. The success of our mission is contingent upon expanding that core by embracing a collegial and inclusive Community of Practice. In the paragraphs below we have listed those core contributors, but we intend to expand the reach of NEWVEC to all who are ready to join us.
University Research
Steven Alm, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Plant Sciences and Entomology
University of Rhode Island
Neeta Connally, Ph.D.
Connecticut State University Professor, Department of Biology
Western Connecticut State University
Jannelle Couret, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
University of Rhode Island
Allison Gardner, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, School of Biology and Ecology
University of Maine
Jeff Garnas, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Natural Resources and the Environment
University of New Hampshire
Matthew Kiesewetter, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry
University of Rhode Island
William Landesman, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biology
Northern Vermont University
William.Landesman@NorthernVermont.edu
Andrew Lover, Ph.D. (NEWVEC Deputy Director)
Assistant Professor, School of Public Health and Health Sciences
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Thomas Mather, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Plant Sciences and Entomology
Director, Center of Vector-borne Disease
University of Rhode Island
Stephen M. Rich, Ph.D. (NEWVEC Director)
Professor, Department of Microbiology, Director of the Laboratory of Medical Zoology
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
smrich@umass.edu
Guang Xu, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Microbiology
University of Massachusetts
gxu@umass.edu
Public Health Practitioners
Dr. Catherine Brown, DVM, MPH
State Epidemiologist and State Public Health Veterinarian
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
*NEWVEC StakeHolder Advisory Council Chair
Utpala Bandy, MD, MPH
RI State Epidemiologist
Rhode Island Department of Health
Isaac Benowitz, MD
State Epidemiologist
Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Patsy Kelso, PhD
State Epidemiologist
Vermont Department of Health
Natalie Kwit, DVM, MPH
State Public Health Veterinarian
Vermont Department of Health
Sean O’Brien
Director
Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment
Sara Robinson, MPH
Epi Program Director
Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Extension
Roy Beckford, Ph.D.
Associate Dean and Extension Director,
Bonnie Burr
Head, Department of Extension
Assist. Director, Extension System
University of Connecticut
Larry Dapsis, M.S.
Deer Tick Program Coordinator and County Entomologist
Cape Cod County Extension
James F. Dill, Ph.D.
Director
University of Maine Cooperative Extension Diagnostic & Research Laboratory
Clem Clay
Director, Extension Agriculture Program
University of Massachusetts
Blake Dinius
Entomologist Extension Educator
Plymouth County (MA)
Jody Jellison, Ph.D.
Director, Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment, UMass Extension;
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Agricultural Research and Engagement
University of Massachusetts
Michael S. Maguire
Director, Cape Cod Cooperative Extension
Margaret Skinner, Ph.D.
Research Professor and Extension Entomologist
University of Vermont
Mosquito Control
Brian Farless
Superintendent
East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project
Christopher Horton
Director
Berkshire County Mosquito Control Project
David Lawson
Director
Norfolk County Mosquito Control District
Barry Noone
District Director
Northeast MA Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management Dist.
Ross Rosettii
Superintendent
Plymouth County Mosquito Control Project
Gabrielle Sakolsky-Hoopes
Superintendent
Cape Cod Mosquito Control Project
Wildlife Biology
Martin Feehan
Deer & Moose Project Leader
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife
Michael Huguenin
Assistant Director, Wildlife Research
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife
PARTNERS IN APPLIED RESEARCH AND CONTROL OF NEW ENGLAND VECTORS(PARCNEV)
If your organization would like to engage with our team on applied research projects, NEWVEC’s affiliate program PARCNEV -- Partners in Applied Research and Control of New England Vectors -- is for you. PARCNEV members enroll at the organizational level, with no cost of membership. The only requirement is a willingness to commit collaborative effort in any of our research activities. PARCNEV members can include state and local public health agencies, tribal organizations, Lyme disease groups, private pest control operators, and public and non-profit landowners who promote outdoor activities. Each PARCNEV member has a seat on NEWVEC’s Stakeholder Advisory Council (SAC), enabling it to participate in the center’s annual program review meeting and discuss ideas and priorities for the coming year of NEWVEC research. Your organization’s PARCNEV collaboration in applied research activities can be at any level, depending on the degree of your interest and/or the resources your organization is interested in bringing to the activity.
To discuss joining PARCNEV and collaborating with NEWVEC, contact Executive Director Stephen Rich at smrich@umass.edu.
Join Us!
CALLING ALL STUDENTS!
You already know that the right academic specialization opens up great career opportunities. But did you know that the University of Massachusetts Amherst now offers a Certificate credential in Public Health Entomology at both the undergraduate and graduate level with just 15 credits of dedicated coursework as part of your degree program? And—did you also know that undergraduate Public Health majors at UMass Amherst can now earn a Concentration in Public Health Entomology with just 12 credits applied toward the degree? If you are thinking about a rewarding career that combines your interest in science with your passion for helping others through work in the public health field, you should take a close look at NEWVEC’s Public Health Entomology educational options at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
For more information, contact Prof. Andrew Lover at alover@umass.edu.
CITIZEN SCIENTIST, PATIENT ADVOCATES, and PARENTS
Vector-borne diseases are a major public health concern for people living in our region. While the risks of exposure can be high, there are effective strategies that can greatly reduce those risks. A major effort for NEWVEC is to reinforce those best practices by providing accurate and reliable messaging. Participate in the conversation by learning the most successful strategies, avoid misleading claims, and be a force multiplier for enabling those most at risk. In coming months, NEWVEC will be staffing a public-facing communication force to facilitate dialogue between research teams, stakeholder, and the public.
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