Modelling the distribution of human disease vectors

Climate change and international travel are allowing disease vectors such as the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) and the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) to expand into new territory. Lyme disease, once unknown in Canada, is now becoming commonplace. Zika virus has become established in invasive mosquito populations in North America. How far and how fast might these diseases spread? My research employs species distribution modelling to help answer these questions. This research is done in collaboration with Dr. Manisha Kulkarni at the University of Ottawa.