My research focuses on the identification of viral determinants of vector competence and
vertebrate virulence for arthropod-borne viruses such as West Nile encephalitis virus. A combination of molecular epidemiological approaches and genetic engineering techniques are being utilized to develop improved diagnostics and to assess the risk of emerging diseases transmitted by arthropod vectors.

• Virulence determinants and pathogenic mechanism of West Nile encephalitis virus in American crows.
• Multiplex diagnostic systems for California arboviruses (West Nile virus (WNV), Western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV), California encephalitis viruses (CEV), and St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV).
• Molecular epidemiology of WN/SLE and WEE viruses in California.

Arthropod-borne viral surveillance, UC Davis Center for Vector-borne Diseases (CVEC).
Reviewer: American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

Spanish