<p>I am an assistant professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Arizona. I obtained my BS. in Biochemistry and Pharmacology, my MSc. in microbial genetics of human pathogens, and my PhD. in Entomology, focusing on tick microbiome and tick physiology.br>My research interests involve developing novel strategies for controlling and preventing tick-borne illnesses. Using molecular tools, our lab aims to better understand the intricate associations between the tick tissues/systems, the tick microbiome, and the animal host to identify molecular factors associated with disease transmission and uncover novel targets for tick management and the mitigation of tick-borne disease.