Designated Emphasis in Vector-borne Diseases

Anopheles gambiae, malaria mosquito. (Photo by Anton Cornel)

The Center for Vectorborne Diseases is the administrative home for the Designated Emphasis in Vector-Borne Diseases (DEVBD). It is an intergraduate group program that allows Ph.D. students to receive and be credited for training in the area of vector-borne diseases. Directed by UC Davis medical entomologist Anthony Cornel, the DEVBD includes training in the biology of both the vectors and the pathogens.

The DEVBD supplements a student’s PhD curriculum; those completing the DEVBD will obtain an official designation on their diploma and transcript indicating a qualification in Biology of Vector-borne Diseases.

Example: Doctoral Degree in Entomology with a Designated Emphasis in Biology of Vector-borne Diseases.

The intention of the DEVBD is to provide an environment for students to learn about the numerous arthropod-borne diseases that exist today and the multiple strategies that are being researched and conducted to diagnose, survey and control them. When students complete their PhDs, with emphasis in biology of vector-borne diseases, they should have sufficient background knowledge and applicative skills to become lead teachers, researchers and public health officials both within and outside the United States.

DEVBD Mission

• To provide training of graduate students in multiple cross disciplines in biology of vector and arthropod-borne pathogens in the format of forums under the following headings:
  
1. Vectors and specifically those aspects of the biology of the vectors that affect disease transmission intensity and patterns
2. Modern methods of vector- borne disease diagnosis and surveillance
3. Parasite /host and vector relations
4. Basic epidemiological techniques
5. Diversity of arthropod borne diseases
6. Current and future methods of disease control.

• To provide opportunities and forums for students to learn about research being conducted by DEVBD student colleagues. This will broaden student knowledge and provide opportunities for students to learn about different current techniques that they, in fact, may find useful for their own research.

A list of students enrolled in the DEVBD as of March 2007 will be provided. They are all registered in one of five graduate groups and mentored by one or more of the 22 faculty trainers or members of the DEVBD.

DEVBD Coursework

The DEVBD has a core curriculum course requirement for students regardless of their graduate group affiliation. This course is entitled “Changing Patterns of Vector-borne Infections (PHR 214/ENT 214).” In addition, students must agree to take at least two of the elective/courses/seminars approved by the executive committee and participate in the annual DEVBD student competition by presenting a poster of their research.

• Admissions Criteria
• Student Advising

   Our Students are:
Brian Butler, Stanley Langevin, Payal Maharaj, Melody Malpass, Nicole Mans, Lisa Reimer, Tara Thiemann, Win Surachetpong and Jacklyn Wong

• By-Laws, Resources
• Faculty
• Curriculum
• Application Form (PDF)
• Photo Gallery
• Contact Us

For further information, please contact:
Anthony J. Cornel, DEVBD chair
Phone: (559) 646-6581
E-mail: cornel@uckac.edu