Introduction to GIS Concepts - Geospatial Tools for Public Health Workshop Series (Part 1)
Introduction to GIS Concepts - October 6, 2026 at 5 PM Eastern Time
This introductory workshop provides a foundation in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), covering core concepts such as spatial data types, coordinate reference systems and projections, and common geospatial operations. Participants will gain an understanding of how GIS is used to analyze and visualize spatial information for their own research projects. The workshop will conclude with a live demonstration in QGIS, where attendees will learn how to set up a project and load their first geospatial datasets for analysis and mapping.
Prior to attending class, we recommend that you install QGIS using this link.
Map Design for Researchers - Geospatial Tools for Public Health Workshop Series (Part 2)
Map Design for Researchers - October 13, 2026 at 5 PM Eastern Time
This follow-up workshop focuses on the principles of effective cartographic design and map communication. Participants will learn how to create clear, informative, and visually appealing map layouts while exploring common mapping pitfalls and strategies to avoid them. Through a live demonstration in QGIS, attendees will build a map from scratch and gain practical experience applying best practices in map design.
Prior to attending class, we recommend that you install QGIS using this link.
GIS in the Field - Geospatial Tools for Public Health Workshop Series (Part 3)
GIS in the Field - October 20, 2026 at 5 PM Eastern Time
Integrating fieldwork and desktop mapping can be challenging without the right tools, which is where QField Cloud comes in. This workshop introduces participants to the QField ecosystem and demonstrates how free cloud services can streamline data collection and management between the field and the office. Attendees will follow a live demonstration showing how to configure a QField Cloud project in QGIS, prepare datasets for mobile use, and synchronize data across devices. The workshop will also cover the use of the QField mobile application, providing hands-on instruction for collecting, editing, and managing spatial data directly from a smartphone or tablet in the field.
Prior to attending class, we recommend that you install QGIS using this link.
Spatial Statistics & Geoprocessing Analytics in QGIS - Geospatial Tools for Public Health Workshop Series (Part 4)
Spatial Statistics & Geoprocessing Analytics in QGIS - October 27, 2026 at 5 PM Eastern Time
In this final GIS workshop we will conclude the series by covering useful geoprocessing tools in QGIS to bring spatial statistics into your research projects. Participants will learn how to analyze spatial data using common geoprocessing workflows in order to uncover meaningful geographic patterns and relationships. By working through practical examples, attendees will build a foundation in geospatial analysis and gain the skills needed to begin incorporating spatial statistics into their own projects.
Prior to attending class, we recommend that you install QGIS using this link.
“Every Year Is A Tick Year” - Hosted by the Master Gardener Association of Cape Cod
Our speaker for February is Dr Stephen Rich, Professor of Microbiology and Director of the New England Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (NEWVEC). NEWVEC was established in 2022 as a partnership between university research and agriculture extension programs to discover, evaluate, and promote practices that reduce the burden of tick- and mosquito-borne disease.
Stephen directs activities at the Laboratory of Medical Zoology at UMass Amherst that focuses on infection disease. His talk will provide insights into tick-borne pathogen risk on Cape Cod.
Meeting ID
891 0628 8847
Invite Link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89106288847
WIP: “Residential Tick Management: A Connecticut Research Update”
Dr. Neeta Connally from Western Connecticut State University will present on December 17, 2025 from 11:00–12:00 EST.
NMCA Annual Meeting
The Northeastern Mosquito Control Association (NMCA) annual meeting will take place in December. Visit http://www.nmca.org/annual.htm for more information about the meeting including registration forms and lodging.
WIP: “Project SCRATCH: Development of a Decision Tool for Residential Tick Control”
Dr. Nelle Couret from the University of Rhode Island will present on December 3, 2025 from 11:00–12:00 EST.
WIP: “Animal Model for Assessing Efficacy of Minimal Risk Natural Product Tick Repellents”
Dr. Tom Mather from the University of Rhode Island will present on November 5, 2025 from 11:00–12:00 EST.
Entomology 2025
The 2025 Entomological Society of America (ESA) Annual Meeting and Conference in Portland, Oregon. Learn more here.
WIP: "Cultivating Communities of Practice for Tick Control; Navigating Constraints and Managing Expectations"
Dr. Stephen Rich from the University of Massachusetts Amherst will present on November 19, 2025 from 11:00–12:00 EST.
2025 Fall NERHA Conference
The 2025 New England Rural Health Association fall conference in Groton, Connecticut.
This is a truly unique opportunity for rural healthcare professionals from hospitals, clinics, oral health, behavioral health, human services, higher education, advocates, community leaders and stakeholders to come together for two days of rural health immersion.
Learn more here.
Microbiology Seminar Series and Graduate Student Colloquium
Spatial Complexities of Tick-Borne Disease Risk Prediction by Eric Siegel
UMass Microbiology Graduate Program
WIP: "Project Listen: Investigating Experiences and Challenges of Public Health and Vector Control Professionals in New England"
Johanna Ravenhurst from the University of Massachusetts Amherst will present on October 22, 2025 from 11:00–12:00 EST.
Microbiology Seminar Series and Graduate Student Colloquium
An Interdisciplinary and Adaptive Approach for Evaluating and Managing a Problem in Wildlife Ecology: Bovine Tuberculosis in White-tailed Deer in Michigan (and how to leverage your research) by Henry (Rique) Campa, Ph.D.
Senior Associate Dean, Graduate School and, University Distinguished Professor of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University
NEON Open House
Come to an open house for the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) in Fitchburg, MA, on October 17th from 11:00–2:00.
2025 Tick Academy (virtual)
The Tick Academy is a virtual conference open to anyone interested in ticks and tick-borne disease prevention, including researchers, educators, students, public health professionals, pest control professionals, public-space managers and citizen scientists interested in the opportunity to learn more about what they can do to stop the spread of ticks and tick-borne diseases in their communities.
The 2025 Tick Academy requires registration and costs $35 per day or $60 for both days. Attendance for students is free.
Microbiology Seminar Series and Graduate Student Colloquium
Borrelia burgdorferi Host-Pathogen Interactions During the Enzootic Cycle by Jeff Bourgeois, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
WIP: “Project ITCH in RI: Preliminary Results and Insights”
Dr. Alexis White from the University of Rhode Island will present on October 8, 2025 from 11:00–12:00 EST.
Microbiology Seminar Series and Graduate Student Colloquium
A Discussion on AI literacy and Q & A on Incorporating AI into Teaching/Mentoring by Chris Hakala
Springfield College
Microbiology Seminar Series and Graduate Student Colloquium
Uncovering the ClpXP Adaptor Hierarchy of Brucella abortus by James Russo
UMass Microbiology Graduate Program
Microbiology Seminar Series and Graduate Student Colloquium
Teach Share for Faculty and Interested Students
Cross COE/TEC VBD Student Seminar
Join us for our Student Seminar! Summer interns and students from across the Centers of Excellence (COEs) and Teaching and Evaluation Centers (TECs) will present their latest research and insights. This is a great opportunity to support students, ask questions, and engage with innovative work.
Register for free to get the Zoom link.
Microbiology Seminar Series and Graduate Student Colloquium
Dynamic, Modular 3D-Printed Models As Basic Vector Biology Teaching Tools by Billi Kozak
UMass Microbiology Graduate Program
WIP: “Identification of Tick Species, Detection of Pathogens, and Progress on Experimental Anti-tick Vaccines”
Dr. Guang Xu from the University of Massachusetts Amherst will present on September 24, 2025 from 11:00–12:00 EST.
Science Stories
Come to the Hadley Public Library to meet Dr. Stephen Rich and hear him talk ticks with the UMass Science Stories group! This event will also be available to attend virtually.
This event is free and open to the public.
Learn more at sci-stories.org
WIP: “The Effectiveness and Limits of Tick Education Interventions”
Matt Cahillane, a public health expert in New Hampshire and Adjunct Instructor in the Department of Environmental Studies at Antioch University, will present on September 10, 2025 from 11:00–12:00 EST.
Envisioning New England After Lyme Disease
Dr. Stephen Rich speaks about Lyme Disease in New England at the 42nd Annual School Nurse Conference: “Challenges and Changes in Today’s School Nursing” at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire. See the three-day conference agenda HERE.
Space is limited. Register HERE.
Centerville, MA, Library Talk
Join Dr. Stephen Rich, Executive Director of New England Center of Excellence in Vector-borne Diseases, for a talk about Project ITCH and tick prevention at the Centerville Public Library. Project ITCH (Is Tick Control Helping) is a region-wide research project that looks at backyard tick control practices to figure out what keeps ticks away, what doesn't, and why. Dr. Rich will discuss Project ITCH's work on Cape Cod and give tips on how to prevent tick-borne diseases.
This event is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged. Register here.
Please note: Event is located in community rooms AB on the lower level.
Falmouth, MA, Library Talk
Join Dr. Stephen Rich for a talk about Project ITCH and tick prevention at the Falmouth Public Library on Monday, July 28th at 4:00 pm. Project ITCH (Is Tick Control Helping?) is a region-wide research project that looks at backyard tick control practices to figure out what keeps ticks away, what doesn't, and why. Dr. Rich will discuss Project ITCH's work on Cape Cod and give tips on how to prevent tick-borne diseases.
This event is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged. Register here.
WIP: The Rising Tide of Tick- and Mosquito-borne Illnesses
Goudarz Molaei from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station presents “The Rising Tide of Tick- and Mosquito-borne Illnesses and Our Research and Surveillance Engagement to Mitigate the Impacts".
Click the link to join the meeting on 25-Jun-2025 (11:00am to 12pm): Join Now!
New Study May Help Improve Quality of Arbovirus Testing in Mosquitoes
Written by NEWVEC Executive Director, Dr. Stephen Rich.