Vector biology, population genetics, genomics, scince policy. My overall research interest is in the population genetics of insect vectors of human and animal diseases. I have developed a program that pursues knowledge that may be applied to the control of vectorborne diseases but at the same time addresses critical issues in basic evolutionary genetics. My work has transitioned from classical population genetics to a more contemporary population genomics approach. Whereas my earlier work was based on analyses using genic markers, such as microsatellite DNA and single nucleotide polymorphisms, our current work applies next generation sequencing to study individual insect genomes, allowing us to explore problems with far greater depth and to address questions that were intractable just a few years ago. In parallel with our increasing use of genomics I have established a program in bioinformatics which is essential for both the management and analysis of the large body of data we are generating using next generation sequencing. I am pursuing this interest within the context of several major avenues of research: 1) Population genetics of the human malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae in west and central Africa: This work deals with describing the genetic structure of populations, understanding the forces responsible for this structure and how patterns of gene flow influence the distribution of traits critical to understanding and managing malaria transmission. I have been working at field sites in Africa since 1991 and my current program has been supported continuously since 1996 with support in the form of a series of NIH grants. More recently we have obtained grants as collaborators from the Ceneters for Disease Control and Prevention, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Tata Institute for Genetics and Society and the UC Irvine Malaria Initiative.Our recent focus is on the development of genetic strategies for the control of mosquito vectors, focusing on malaria. We are leading an effort to conduct field trials of genetically engineered mosquitoes to eliminate malaria. The strategy is to introduce genes that render the mosquitoes incapable of transmitting the malaria parasite coupled with a CRIPR/Cas9-based gene drive system to promote the spread of these beneficial genes throughout the natural mosquito population. Thus we propose to eliminate the malaria parasites but not the mosquito itself. This work also includes community engagement programs and formal interactions with government entites to develop a regulatory pathway for the application of this new, exciting technology. This work is being conducted in collaboration with scientists and health officilas in two African countries; Sao Tome & Principe and the Union of the Comoros. In addition we are extending this work into India in a collaboration with the Tata Institue for Genetics and Society.Closer to home we are working in collaboration with mutiple Mosqutio Control Agencieas in California on a study of the mosquito species Aedes aegypti, which was introduced into our state in 2013. We are describing the genetics of populations of this mosquito to determine the mechanisms underlying how this invasive species was introduced into CA and patterns in its ongoing spread throughout the state.