Curriculum vitae ANDREA S. VARELA-STOKES

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1 Curriculum vitae ANDREA S. VARELA-STOKES Varela-Stokes, Andrea- CV Department of Basic Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine Phone (office): Mississippi State University Phone (lab): Mississippi State, MS PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 2014-current Associate Professor Mississippi State University, MS College of Veterinary Medicine Department of Basic Sciences Assistant Professor Mississippi State University, MS College of Veterinary Medicine Department of Basic Sciences Assistant Research Scientist University of Georgia, GA NIH K08-Mentored Clinical Science College of Veterinary Medicine Development Award (Post-doc) Department of Infectious Diseases Veterinary Graduate Assistant University of Georgia, GA College of Veterinary Medicine Department of Infectious Diseases EDUCATION 2004 PhD Infectious Diseases University of Georgia, GA Dissertation title: Studies on Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Borrelia Lonestari, Tick-Borne Agents Transmitted by Amblyomma Americanum Mentor: Susan Little, DVM, PhD 2001 DVM Veterinary Medicine Tufts University (Cummings) School of Veterinary Medicine), MA 1997 BS Animal Science Cook College, Rutgers University, NJ HONORS AND AWARDS RECEIVED 2011 Pfizer Award for Veterinary Research Excellence 2011 Dean s Pegasus Award for Research and Creative Achievement 2011 MVMA Faculty Award- Mississippi State Pride Award 2010 Richard C. Adkerson Faculty Award- Mississippi State Pride Award 2004 Outstanding Graduate Student Award Intervet/American Association Veterinary Parasitologists 2003 Student Scholarship Award - Wildlife Disease Association 2003 Best Student Presentation, 1 st Place - American Association Veterinary Parasitologists 2002 Competitive Travel Grant - University of Georgia Graduate Research Foundation 2002 Competitive Travel Grant - College Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia 2002 Best Student Presentation, 2 nd Place - American Association Veterinary Parasitologists 2001 Member, Phi Zeta Honor Society of Vet Medicine - Tufts University School of Vet Medicine 1999 NIH Summer Research Grant - Tufts University School of Vet Medicine 1999 Tufts International Programs Grant - Tufts University School of Vet Medicine 1998 Frontiers of Veterinary Medicine Dodge Fellow - Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation 1997 G.H. Cook Scholar - Cook College, Rutgers University 1997 Salutatorian/Graduation Highest Honors - Cook College, Rutgers University 1997 American Society of Animal Science Scholarship Award - Cook College, Rutgers University 1

2 RESEARCH (FTE 60%) Varela-Stokes, Andrea- CV PUBLICATIONS - Peer-reviewed (reverse chronological). Publications since joining MSU in 2007: Eells, J. B., A. Varela-Stokes, S.X. Guo-Ross, E. Kummari, H.M. Smith, E. Cox, and D. Lindsay Chronic Toxoplasma gondii in Nurr1-null heterozygous mice exacerbates elevated open field activity. PLoS One. 10: e doi: /journal.pone Jones, K.H., N. Johnson, S. Yang, J.V. Stokes, W. Smith, R.W. Wills, J. Goddard, A.S. Varela- Stokes Investigations into Outbreaks of Black Fly Attacks and Subsequent Avian Haemosporidians in Backyard Type Poultry and Other Exposed Avian Species. Avian Diseases 59: Ferrari, F.A.G., J. Goddard, C.D. Paddock, and A.S. Varela-Stokes Ultrastructure of Presumed Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae in Amblyomma maculatum (Acari:Ixodidae). J Med Entomol 51(6): Goddard, J., L. Goltz, K.T. Edwards, W. Smith, A. Varela-Stokes Survey of Adult Dermacentor variabilis (Say) (Acari: Ixodidae) Collected in Northern Mississippi for Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae Midsouth Entomologist 7: Stich, R.W., B.L. Blagburn, D.D. Bowman, C.Carpenter, M.R. Cortinas, S.A. Ewing, D.Foley, J.E. Foley, H. Gaff, G.J. Hickling, R.R. Lash, S.E. Little, C. Lund, R. Lund, T.N. Mather, G.R. Needham, W.L. Nicholson, J. Sharp, A. Varela-Stokes, and D. Wang Quantitative factors proposed to influence the prevalence of canine tick-borne disease agents in the United States. Parasites & Vectors. 7:417. DOI: / Lee, J.-K., W.C. Smith, C. McIntosh, F.G. Ferrari, B. Moore-Henderson, and A. Varela-Stokes Detection of a Borrelia species in questing Gulf Coast ticks, Amblyomma maculatum. Ticks Tick-Borne Dis. 5: Goddard, J., L. Goltz, K.T. Edwards, W. Smith, A. Varela-Stokes Survey of Adult Dermacentor variabilis (Say) (Acari: Ixodidae) Collected in Northern Mississippi for Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae Midsouth Entomologist. 7: Lopez, J.E., H.K. Wilder, W. Boyle, L.B. Drumheller, J.A. Thornton, B. Willeford, and A. Varela- Stokes Serological responses against Borrelia turicatae BipA, a diagnostic antigen unique to a given species of relapsing fever spirochete. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 7(9):e2454. DOI: /journal.pntd Ferrari (Girao), F.A.G., J. Goddard, G.M. Moraru, W.E.Smith, and A.S. Varela-Stokes Isolation of Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) in embryonic cells of naturally infected Amblyomma maculatum (Ixodida: Ixodidae). J Med Entomol. 50: Goltz, L., A.S. Varela-Stokes, J. Goddard Survey of Adult Ixodes scapularis Say for Disease Agents in Mississippi. J Vector Ecol. 38: Ferrari (Girao), F.A.G., J. Goddard, M. Caprio, C.D. Paddock, T. Mixson-Hayden, and A.S. Varela- Stokes Population analysis of Amblyomma maculatum ticks and Rickettsia parkeri using single strand conformation polymorphism. Ticks Tick-Borne Dis.4: DOI: /j.ttbdis Moraru, G.M., J. Goddard, C.D. Paddock, and A.S. Varela-Stokes Experimental infection of cotton rats and bobwhite quail with Rickettsia parkeri. Parasit. Vectors. 6:70. DOI: /

3 Moraru, G.M., J. Goddard, A. Murphy, D. Link, J. Belant, and A.S. Varela-Stokes Evidence of antibodies to spotted fever group rickettsiae in wild rodents and birds from Mississippi. Vector-Borne Zoon. Dis. 13:1-5. Goddard, J., A.S. Varela-Stokes, and R. Finley Lyme Disease-like Illness in the South. J. Mississippi State Med. Assoc. 53: Goddard, J., A.S. Varela-Stokes, W.E. Smith, and K.T. Edwards Artificial infection of the bed bug with Rickettsia parkeri. J. Med. Entomol. 49: Ferrari (Girao), F.A.G., J. Goddard, C.D. Paddock, and A.S. Varela-Stokes Rickettsia parkeri and Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae" in Gulf Coast ticks, Mississippi. Emerg. Infec. Dis. 18: Moraru, G.M., J. Goddard and A.S. Varela-Stokes Observations on host preference and feeding success of immature Amblyomma maculatum (Acari: Ixodidae). J. Entomol. Sci. 47: Goddard, J., A.S. Varela-Stokes, and J.C. Schneider Observations on questing activity of adult Gulf Coast ticks, Amblyomma maculatum, in Mississippi, U.S.A. Syst. Appl. Acarol. 16: Varela-Stokes A.S., C.D. Paddock, B. Engber, and M. Toliver Rickettsia parkeri in Amblyomma maculatum ticks, North Carolina, USA, Emerg. Infec. Dis. 17: Romer, Y., A. Seijo, F. Crudo, W.L. Nicholson, A. Varela-Stokes, R.R. Lash, and C.D. Paddock Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis, Argentina. Emerg. Infec. Dis. 17: Edwards, K.T., J. Goddard, and A. Varela-Stokes Distribution of spotted fever group rickettsiae in select tissues of experimentally infected and field-collected Gulf Coast ticks. J. Med. Entomol. 48: Edwards, K.T., A.S. Varela-Stokes, Paddock C.D., and J. Goddard Gotch ear in a goat: a case report. Vector-Borne Zoon. Dis. 11: Edwards, K.T., J. Goddard, T. Jones, C.D. Paddock, and A.S. Varela-Stokes Cattle and the Natural History of Rickettsia parkeri in Mississippi. Vector-Borne Zoon. Dis. 11: Castellaw, A.H., E.F. Chenney and A.S. Varela-Stokes Tick-borne disease agents in various wildlife from Mississippi. Vector-Borne Zoon. Dis. 11: Castellaw, A.H., J. Showers, J. Goddard, E.F. Chenney and A.S. Varela-Stokes Detection of vector-borne agents in lone star ticks, Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae), from Mississippi. J. Med. Entomol. 47: Paddock, C.D., P. Fournier, J.W. Sumner, J. Goddard, Y. Elshenawy, M.G. Metcalfe, A.D. Loftis and A.S. Varela-Stokes Isolation of Rickettsia parkeri and identification of a novel spotted fever group Rickettsia sp. from Gulf Coast ticks (Amblyomma maculatum) in the United States. Appl. Environ. Micro. 76: Edwards, K., J. Goddard, A. Varela-Stokes, M. Layton, C. Huston, and L. Foil Current topics in medical and veterinary entomology: results of a roundtable discussion. MidSouth Ento. 3: Goddard, J. and A.S. Varela-Stokes The discovery and pursuit of American Boutonneuse Fever: A new spotted fever group rickettsiosis. MidSouth Ento. 2:

4 Varela-Stokes, A.S., J. Goddard, K.T. Edwards, A. Harris, G. Moraru, F. Girao, and E. Chenney Highlights of tick-borne disease research at Mississippi State University. J Miss. Acad. Sci. 53: Goddard, J., and A.S. Varela-Stokes Role of the lone-star tick, Amblyomma americanum (L.), in human and animal diseases. Vet Parasitol 160:1-12. Edwards, K.T., J. Goddard, and A.S. Varela-Stokes Examination of the Internal Morphology of the Ixodid Tick, Amblyomma maculatum Koch, (Acari: Ixodidae); a How-to Pictorial Dissection Guide. Midsouth Entomologist 2: Publications from graduate and post-doctoral work : Varela-Stokes, A.S., S.Y. Ludwig, L.H. Herbst, and E.C. Greiner Helminth fauna of the ninebanded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) in north-central Florida. J. Parasitol. 94: Varela-Stokes, A.S Transmission of Ehrlichia chaffeensis from lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum) to white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). J. Wildlife Dis. 43: Varela-Stokes, A.S Transmission of bacterial agents from lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum) to white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). J. Med. Entomol. 44: Varela-Stokes, A.S., J.V. Stokes, W.R. Davidson, and S.E. Little Coinfection of white-tailed deer with multiple strains of Ehrlichia chaffeensis. Vector-Borne Zoon. Dis. 6: Jiménez-Ruiz, A.G., S.L. Gardner, E.C. Greiner, and A.S. Varela-Stokes Aspidoderidae from North America with the description of a new species of Aspidodera (Heterakoidea). J. Parasitol. 92: Moyer, P.A., A.S. Varela, M.P. Luttrell, V.A. Moore IV, D.E. Stallknecht, and S.E. Little Whitetailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) develop spirochetemia following experimental infection with Borrelia lonestari. Vet. Microbiol. 115: Yabsley, M.J., W.R. Davidson, D.E. Stallknecht, A.S. Varela, P.K. Swift, J.C. Devos, S.A. Dubay Evidence of Tick-Borne Organisms in Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) from the Western United States. Vector-Borne Zoon. Dis. 5: Varela, A.S., D.E. Stallknecht, M.J. Yabsley, V.A. Moore, E.W. Howerth, W.R. Davidson, and S.E. Little Primary and secondary infection with Ehrlichia chaffeensis in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Vector-Borne Zoon. Dis. 5: Varela, A.S., V.A. Moore, and S.E. Little Disease agents in Amblyomma americanum from northeastern Georgia. J. Med. Entomol. 41: Dugan, V.G., A.S. Varela, D.E. Stallknecht, C.C. Hurd, S.E. Little Attempted experimental infection of domestic goats with Ehrlichia chaffeensis. Vector-Borne Zoon. Dis. 4: Varela, A.S., M.P. Luttrell, E.W. Howerth, V.A. Moore, W.R. Davidson, D.E. Stallknecht, and S.E. Little First culture isolation of Borrelia lonestari, putative agent of Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI). J. Clin. Micro. 42: Varela, A.S., D.E. Stallknecht, M.J. Yabsley, V.A. Moore, W.R. Davidson, and S.E. Little Experimental infection of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) with Ehrlichia chaffeensis by different inoculation routes. J. Wildlife Dis. 39:

5 Moore, V.A., A.S. Varela, M.J. Yabsley, W.R. Davidson, and S.E. Little Detection of Borrelia lonestari, causative agent of STARI (Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness), in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from the southeastern United States. J. Clin. Micro. 41: Yabsley, M.J., A.S. Varela, C.M. Tate, V.G. Dugan, D.E. Stallknecht, S.E. Little, and W.R. Davidson Ehrlichia ewingii infection in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Emerg. Infec. Dis. 8: Publications from veterinary externships : Varela, A.S., J.M. Kinsella, and M.G. Spalding Presence of encysted immature nematodes in a released whooping crane (Grus Americana). J. Zoo and Wildlife Med. 32: Book chapters: Varela, A.S Tick-borne Ehrlichiae and Rickettsiae of Dogs. In D.W. Bowman, ed. Companion and Exotic Animal Parasitology. International Veterinary Information Services. ( A Extension Publications: Goddard, J. and A.S. Varela-Stokes Lyme Disease in Mississippi. Mississippi State University Extension Service. Extension Publication PRESENTATIONS Oral presentations, unless otherwise noted Presented by Varela-Stokes Varela-Stokes, A.S. Tick-Host-Bacterial Systems: A Paradigm for Veterinary Parasitology. University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences. September 12, Invited talk. Lee, J.K.*, W.C. Smith*, F.G. Ferrari., and A. Varela-Stokes. 2013**. Borrelia species DNA in questing Amblyomma maculatum (Gulf Coast ticks) from Mississippi. Internatl Conf Lyme Borreliosis and Other Tick-Borne Diseases. Boston, MA. *authors contributed equally. (Poster) Abstract No. 9. Varela-Stokes, A.S. and J. Lopez Borrelia turicatae, an agent of tick-borne relapsing fever, in the canine animal model. Annual Meeting Southeastern Society of Parasitologists. Bowling Green, KY. Abstract No. 23. F.A.G. Ferrari (Girao)*, G.M. Moraru*, J. Goddard, A.S. Varela-Stokes Emerging disease agent, Rickettsia parkeri, and uncharacterized bacterium, Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae, in Amblyomma maculatum ticks. Annual Meeting South-Central Branch American Society for Microbiology. Mississippi State, MS. *authors contributed equally. (Poster) Abstract No. P28. Varela-Stokes, A.S., F.D. Wilson, D. Ambrose, A. Sullivant, and G.J. vandam Heterobilharzia americana in a Mississippi dog: Are we underdiagnosing this? Annual Meeting Southeastern Society of Parasitologists. Helen, GA. Abstract No. 31. Varela-Stokes, A.S., C.D. Paddock, B. Engber, and M. Toliver Rickettsia parkeri in Amblyomma maculatum from North Carolina: Implications in a state with the highest incidence of Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Annual Meeting American Society of Rickettsiology. Stevenson, WA. Asbtract No

6 Varela-Stokes, A.S., A.H. Castellaw, F. Girao, G. Moraru, E. Chenney, and C. Fellman Variable membrane protein genes in the tick-borne bacterium, Borrelia lonestari. Annual Meeting Southeastern Society of Parasitologists. Asheville, NC. Abstract No.26. Varela-Stokes, A.S Research on tick-borne agents at Mississippi State University. Jacksonville State University, Department of Biology Symposium entitled, Tick-Borne disease ecology and epidemiology in the southeastern US. Jacksonville, AL. (Invited speaker) Varela-Stokes, A.S Pandora s box: Ticks and the diseases they transmit. University of Mississippi Medical Center. Jackson, MS. (Invited speaker) Varela-Stokes, A.S Ticks, tick-borne diseases, and vertebrate reservoirs in Mississippi. Department of Biosciences, Mississippi State University. Mississippi State, MS. (Invited speaker) Varela-Stokes, A.S., C. Panuska, K. Lednum, B. Baughman, E. Chenney, and J. Cooley Evidence of Hepatozoon canis in Mississippi dogs. Annual Meeting American Society of Parasitologists. Knoxville, TN. Abstract No.29. Varela-Stokes, A.S The role of Amblyomma spp. ticks in zoonotic disease transmission. Department of Biological Sciences weekly seminar. University of Southern Mississippi. Hattiesburg, MS. (Invited speaker) Varela-Stokes, A.S., K.T. Edwards, J. Goddard, C. Paddock Hemolymph testing as a means of detecting Rickettsia parkeri in Amblyomma maculatum. Annual Meeting American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists. New Orleans, LA. Abstract No.75. Varela-Stokes, A.S., D.E. Stallknecht In vitro species susceptibility to Ehrlichia chaffeensis. Annual Meeting American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists. Washington D.C. Abstract No.8. Varela-Stokes, A.S., K. Keel Malignant Catharral Fever in a captive white-tailed deer. Annual Southeastern Veterinary Pathology Conference. Tifton, GA. Varela, A.S., M.P. Luttrell, E.W. Howerth, V.A. Moore, W.R. Davidson, D.E. Stallknecht, and S.E. Little First culture isolation of Borrelia lonestari, putative agent of Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI). Annual Biomedical and Health Sciences Institute (BMHI) Symposium: Emerging Infectious Diseases. Savannah, GA. Varela, A.S., V.A. Moore, and S.E. Little Evidence of tick-borne disease agents in lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum) from northeastern Georgia. Annual Wildlife Disease Association Conference. Saskatoon. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Abstract No.25. Varela, A.S., E.W. Howerth, M.D. Murphy, and S.E.Little Detection of Ehrlichia chaffeensis tissues of white-tailed deer by PCR, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Annual Meeting of the American Association Veterinary Parasitologists. Denver, CO. Abstract No.10. Received 1 st Place Oral Paper Presentation. in Varela, A.S Research opportunities and experiences in international veterinary medicine. Annual Convention of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Denver, CO. (Invited speaker) Varela, A.S., D.E. Stallknecht, M.J. Yabsley, and S.E. Little Infection dynamics of the tickborne agent, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and the domestic goat (Capra hircus). Joint annual meetings of the Association of Southeastern Biologists and the Southeastern Society of Parasitologists. Boone, NC. 6

7 7 Varela-Stokes, Andrea- CV Varela, A.S Infection dynamics of the tick-borne agent, Ehrlichia chaffeensis. Medical Microbiology and Parasitology Departmental Seminar, College Vet Medicine UGA, Athens, GA. Varela, A.S., D.E. Stallknecht, M.J. Yabsley, V.A. Moore, and S.E. Little Response to heterologous strain challenge with the tick-transmitted agent, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, in the natural reservoir host, white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). 10th International Congress of Parasitology Meeting & Annual Meeting American Society of Parasitologists. Vancouver, Canada. Varela, A.S., V.A. Moore, and S.E. Little Disease agents in the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) from northeastern Georgia. Annual Meeting of the American Association Veterinary Parasitologists. Nashville, TN. Received 2 nd Place Oral Paper Presentation. Varela, A.S Transmission of gastrointestinal parasites in a browsing host, the giraffe, Giraffa camelopardalis. Research Day, Tufts University (Cummings) School Vet Medicine. North Grafton, MA. Varela, A.S Using prevalence of parasite infection to predict herbivore overcrowding on wildlife reserves. Research Day, Tufts University (Cummings) School Vet Medicine. North Grafton, MA Varela, A.S Using prevalence of parasite infection to predict herbivore overcrowding on wildlife reserves. Annual Meeting of Geraldine R. Dodge Fellows, Frontiers for Veterinary Medicine. Purdue University, School of Veterinary Medicine, LA. Abstracts not presented by Varela-Stokes (reverse chronological order): Lee, J-K, G.M. Moraru, A. Benton, J. Stokes, and A. Varela-Stokes. Co-infection dynamics of Rickettsia parkeri and Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae in Amblyomma maculatum (Gulf Coast tick) using capillary feeding. Southeastern Society of Parasitologists & Helminthological Society of Washington Joint Meeting. April 9-11, Blacksburg, VA. Abstract No. 12. Unz, E.R., J-K Lee, G.M. Moraru, and A.S. Varela-Stokes. Infection rates of rickettsiae in the Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum, from Mississippi. August Merial-NIH Symposium, Ithaca, NY. (Poster)* This was also presented as an oral paper at MSU-CVM Research Day - Unz received 1 st place in veterinary student oral presentations. Eells, J.B., A. Varela-Stokes, S.X. Guo-Ross, E. Kummari, H.M. Smith, E. Cox, and D.S. Lindsay. Chronic Toxoplasma gondii in Nurr1-null heterozygous mice exacerbates elevated open field activity. Society for Neuroscience. November 14-19, Washington D.C. (Poster) Jones, K.H., N. Johnson, A. Varela-Stokes, W. Smith, S. Yang, J. Stokes, R. Wills, J. Goddard. Investigations into outbreaks of black fly strikes and subsequent avian hemosporidians in backyard type poultry and other exposed avian species. American Veterinary Medical Association Chicago, IL. Eells, J.B., A. Varela-Stokes, S.X. Guo-Ross, D.S. Lindsay. 2013* The effects of Toxoplasma gondii infection on Nurr1-null heterozygous mice. Society for Neuroscience - Annual Meeting. San Diego, CA. (Poster) Moore-Henderson, B., J.-K. Lee, W. Smith, C. McIntosh, G. Moraru, A. Varela-Stokes Potential hosts for Amblyomma maculatum ticks and transmitted pathogens. Merial/NIH Research Symposium. East Lansing, MI. (Poster) Belser, L., N. Alberson, W. Smith, C. McIntosh, L. Pote, P. Bushby, K. Woodruff, A. Varela-Stokes Ehrlichia chaffeensis and intestinal parasites in Mississippi shelter dogs. Merial/NIH Research Symposium. East Lansing, MI. (Poster)

8 Lee, J.-K., W.C. Smith, F.G. Ferrari (Girao), A. Varela-Stokes Survey of questing Amblyomma maculatum (Gulf Coast ticks) in Mississippi for Borrelia species. Annual Meeting Southeastern Society of Parasitologists. Bowling Green, KY. Abstract No.15. Yang, S., Jones, K., Smith, W., Stokes, J., and A. Varela-Stokes Identification of Leucocytozoon spp. in captive birds using conventional and novel methods. Merial/NIH Research Symposium. Boulder, CO. (Poster)* This was also presented as an oral paper at MSU-CVM Research Day - Yang received 1 st Place in veterinary student oral presentations. Ferrari (Girao) F.A.G., J. Goddard, C. D. Paddock, G.M. Moraru, W.E.C. Smith, and A.S. Varela- Stokes Spotted fever group rickettsiae, Rickettsia parkeri and Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae, associated with the Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum. Annual Meeting American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists. San Diego, CA. (Ferrari) AAVP-Merck Outstanding Graduate Student Award Oral Presentation. Moraru, G.M., J. Goddard, A.S. Varela-Stokes Elucidating the natural history of Rickettsia parkeri, a tick-borne pathogen. Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Barro Colorado Island, Panamá. Smith, W.,. K. Jones, J. Stokes, J. Goddard, and A. Varela-Stokes Identification of avian Haemosporidian parasites in the south-central United States. Annual Meeting Southeastern Society of Parasitologists. Pineville, KY. Abstract No.18. Goltz, L.R., J. Goddard, and A. Varela-Stokes Ecology and disease potential of the blacklegged deer tick, Ixodes scapularis in Mississippi. Annual Meeting Southeastern Society of Parasitologists. Pineville, KY. Abstract No.9. Girao F.A, Goddard J., Paddock C., Varela-Stokes A Impact of Emergent Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae in the Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum. International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases. Atlanta, GA. (Poster- Board No.184) Girao, F. A, Goddard, J., Paddock, C., Varela-Stokes Ultrastructure and genetic evidence of "Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae" within the Gulf Coast tick. Annual Meeting Entomological Society of America. Reno, NV. Abstract No.366. Moraru, G.M., C.D. Paddock, A.S. Varela-Stokes, J. Goddard Transmission of Rickettsia parkeri by the Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum Koch. Annual Meeting Entomological Society of America. Reno, NV. Abstract No.369. Goltz, L.R., A. Varela-Stokes, and J. Goddard Seasonality and disease potential of the blacklegged deer tick, Ixodes scapularis Say, in Mississippi. Annual Meeting Entomological Society of America. Reno, NV. Abstract No.367. Girao, F. A., Goddard, J., Paddock, C., Varela-Stokes, A Localization of novel rickettsia in Gulf Coast ticks - vector of human rickettsiosis. Annual Meeting Mississippi Entomological Association. Mississippi State, MS. Girao Received 2 nd Place Graduate Student Oral Paper Presentation. Moraru, G.M., J. Goddard, C.D. Paddock, A.S. Varela-Stokes Host and vector competence for Rickettsia parkeri infection. CVM Research Day. Annual Meeting Mississippi State University. Moraru Received 3 rd Place Graduate Student Oral Paper Presentation. 8

9 9 Varela-Stokes, Andrea- CV Girao, F. A, Goddard, J., Paddock, C., Varela-Stokes, A Ultrastructure of "Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae" in the Gulf Coast tick. Annual Meeting American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists. Saint Louis, MO. Abstract No.8. Moraru, G.M., J. Goddard, C.D. Paddock, A.S. Varela-Stokes Host and vector competence for Rickettsia parkeri infection. Annual Meeting American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists. St. Louis, MO. Abstract No.9. Girao, F. A, Goddard, J., Paddock, C., Varela-Stokes, A Prevalence and Ultrastructure of "Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae" in the Gulf Coast tick, vector of the human pathogen, Rickettsia parkeri. Annual Meeting Southeastern Society of Parasitologists. Helen, GA. Abstract No. 17. Moraru, G.M., J. Goddard, C.D. Paddock, A.S. Varela-Stokes Rickettsia parkeri infection in cotton rats and bobwhite quail. Annual Meeting Southeastern Society of Parasitologists. Helen, GA. Abstract No.11. Moraru, G.M., J. Goddard, A.S. Varela-Stokes Prevalence of the emerging tick-borne pathogen, Rickettsia parkeri, in rodents and quail in Mississippi. Morris Animal Foundation, New Orleans, LA. (Poster) Goddard, J., Varela-Stokes, A.S., Embers, M., Smith, W.C., and Edwards, K.T Update on health and medical effects of bed bugs. Program Symposium on Bed Bugs, Annual Meeting Entomological Society of America. Reno, NV. Goddard, J., Embers, M., Varela-Stokes, A.S., and Edwards, K.T Current research on the health effects of bed bugs. Annual Meeting National Pest Management Association. New Orleans, LA. Girao, F., J. Goddard and A. Varela-Stokes Emerging Spotted Fever Rickettsiae in Gulf Coast Ticks In Mississippi. Annual Meeting American Society for Microbiology South Central Branch. Hattiesburg, MS. Girao, F., J. Goddard and A. Varela-Stokes Medical importance of Gulf Coast tick bites in Mississippi. Annual Meeting Mississippi Entomological Association. Mississippi State, MS. Moraru, G., J. Goddard and A. Varela-Stokes Wildlife Hosts For Amblyomma maculatum and Its Vectored Pathogen, Rickettsia parkeri. Annual Meeting American Society for Microbiology South Central Branch. Hattiesburg, MS. Moraru, G., J. Goddard and A. Varela-Stokes Primary wildlife hosts for larval and nymphal Amblyomma maculatum and the pathogen it carries, Rickettsia parkeri. Annual Meeting Mississippi Entomological Association. Mississippi State, MS. Girao, F., J. Goddard, and A.S. Varela-Stokes Population analysis of the tick vector, Amblyomma maculatum, Koch, and disease agent, Rickettsia parkeri, in Mississippi. Annual Meeting American Society of Rickettsiology. Stevenson, WA. Abstract No.39. Moraru, G.M., J. Goddard, and A.S. Varela-Stokes Wild rodents and Bobwhite quail as hosts for the tick-borne pathogen, Rickettsia parkeri, in Mississippi. American Society of Rickettsiology. Stevenson, WA. Abstract No.42. Varela-Stokes, A., F.D. Wilson, D. Ambrose, A. Sullivant, and G.J. van Dam Heterobilharzia americana in a Mississippi dog: A parasitic disease likely under-diagnosed. Annual Meeting American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians. Minneapolis, MN.

10 Girao, F., A. Varela-Stokes, and J. Goddard Detection of Rickettsia parkeri in the Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum Koch, in Mississippi. Annual Meeting Southeastern Society of Parasitologists. Asheville, NC. Abstract No.4. Moraru, G., J. Goddard, A. Varela-Stokes The role of small animals in the natural history of Rickettsia parkeri. Annual Meeting Southeastern Society of Parasitologists. Asheville, NC. Abstract No.16. Goddard, J.,K.T. Edwards, G. Moraru, F. Girao, A. Castellaw, E. Chenney, and A. Varela-Stokes Current research in medical and veterinary entomology at Mississippi State University. School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University. Baton Rouge, LA. (Invited speaker) Moraru, G.M., J. Goddard and A.S. Varela-Stokes The role of small animals in the natural history of Rickettsia parkeri. Annual Meeting Mississippi Entomological Association. Mississippi State, MS. Received 3 rd Place Oral Paper Presentation. Girao, F. A., J. Goddard and A. Varela-Stokes Detection of Rickettsia parkeri in the Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum Koch, in Mississippi. Annual Meeting Mississippi Entomological Association. Mississippi State, MS. Harris, A., J. Showers, J. Goddard, E. Chenney, and A. S. Varela-Stokes The lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae), as a vector of tick-borne agents in Mississippi. Annual Meeting Mississippi Entomological Association. Mississippi State, MS. Moraru, G., J. Goddard., and A.S. Varela-Stokes The role of small animals in the natural history of Rickettsia parkeri. Research Day, College Vet Med, Mississippi State Univ., Mississippi State, MS. Girao, F. A., A. Varela-Stokes, and J. Goddard Detection of Rickettsia parkeri in the Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum Koch, in Mississippi. Research Day, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS. Harris, A., J. Showers, E. Chenney, and A. S. Varela-Stokes Detection of tick-borne agents from Amblyomma americanum (lone star tick) in Mississippi. Annual Meeting Southeastern Society of Parasitologists. Murray, KY. Abstract No.7. Edwards, K.T., J. Goddard and A.S. Varela-Stokes The role of Gulf Coast ticks (Amblyomma maculatum) in the epidemiology of Rickettsia parkeri infection: study in sale barn cattle in Mississippi. Annual Meeting Livestock Insect Worker s Conference. French Lick, IN. Harris, A.L., E.F. Chenney, A.S. Varela-Stokes Prevalence of tick-borne disease agents in wildlife from Mississippi. Annual Symposium Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases. University of Georgia, Athens, GA. Edwards, K.T., J. Goddard, C.D. Paddock and A.S. Varela-Stokes Natural history of the Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum) in Rickettsia parkeri infection; study in experimentally infected calves: model for heartwater disease as bioterrorist threat. Annual Meeting Livestock Insect Worker s Conference. Kansas City, MO. Edwards, K.T., J. Goddard, C.D. Paddock and A.S. Varela-Stokes Role of the Gulf Coast Tick, Amblyomma maculatum, and cattle in the natural history of the newly described Rickettsia parkeri infection (American Boutonneuse Fever). Annual Meeting American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists. Abstract No

11 FUNDED GRANTS (COMPETITIVE) Varela-Stokes, Andrea- CV Extramural National Institutes of Health (NIAID) 06/01/14-05/31/15 Centers for Biomedical Research Excellence Total: $50,000 Varela-Stokes (Pilot Project), Pruett (PI) (direct) Identification of cell populations and rickettsiae in Amblyomma maculatum ticks Merial Veterinary Scholars Program 01/01/15-12/31/15 Varela-Stokes (PI), Lawrence (Co-PI) Total: $10,000 Research Experience Program for Veterinary Students 2015 This funding supported students in the 2015 Summer Research Experience Program at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University. Merial Veterinary Scholars Program 01/01/14-12/31/14 Varela-Stokes (PI), Lawrence (Co-PI) Total: $5,000 Research Experience Program for Veterinary Students 2014 This funding supported students in the 2014 Summer Research Experience Program at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University. National Institutes of Health (NIAID) 08/01/13-07/31/16 R15 AREA- 1 R15 AI A1 Resubmission Total: $425,294 Varela-Stokes (PI), Goddard (Co-I) (direct and indirect) Coinfection by Rickettsiae in Amblyomma maculatum: Impact on Disease Transmission The goals of the proposed project are to evaluate Candidatus R. andeanae and Rickettsia parkeri co-infection in transmission of either rickettsia, determine organ and cellular tropism for these rickettsiae in the tick vector, and evaluate co-feeding as a mode of transmission for these rickettsiae. Scored: 30. Funded (updated 07/19/13) Merial Veterinary Scholars Program 01/01/13-12/31/13 MSU Award No Total: $10,800 Varela-Stokes (PI), Lawrence (Co-PI) Research Experience Program for Veterinary Students 2013 This funding supported students in the 2013 Summer Research Experience Program at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University. Merial Veterinary Scholars Program 01/01/12-12/31/12 MSU Award No Total: $10,800 Varela-Stokes (PI), Lawrence (Co-PI) Research Experience Program for Veterinary Students 2012 This funding supported students in the 2012 Summer Research Experience Program at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University. Morris Animal Foundation Veterinary Student Scholar Program 05/01/10-8/01/10 MSU Award No Total: $4,000 Varela-Stokes (PI); Moraru (student scholar) Prevalence of the emerging tick-borne pathogen, Rickettsia parkeri, in rodents and quail in Mississippi The goal of this project was to evaluate active infection with and exposure to R. parkeri in wild rodents and farm-raised quail in Mississippi in order to assess risk of R. parkeri exposure in humans; these hosts are primary hosts for immature stages of the tick vector. 11

12 Southeastern Center for Emerging Biologic Threats 09/01/08-08/31/09 MSU Award No Total: $49,939 Varela-Stokes, A.S. (PI) Goddard, J. (Co-PI) Movement of the human pathogen Rickettsia parkeri in its tick hosts throughout Mississippi: A model for predicting the spread of bioterrorism agents The goal of this project was to determine population heterogeneity of Amblyomma maculatum and R. parkeri as a model for movement of tick-borne pathogens. Intramural MAFES-USDA Formula (Hatch Act; CRIS) Program 08/01/13-05/15/15 Varela-Stokes, A.S. (PI) Total: $10,000 ($5,000/yr) Evaluating effects of Amblyomma maculatum ticks on predominant beef cattle breeds in Mississippi The goal of this research is to obtain preliminary data on A. maculatum infestation in prominent cattle breeds in Mississippi as a model for Southeast. Resultant preliminary data will be used for new USDA proposal submission that investigates genetic resistance to A. maculatum. Office for Research & Graduate Studies Grant, MSU-CVM 08/01/13-05/15/14 Varela-Stokes, A.S. (PI), Pinchuk, L. (Co-PI), Stokes, J. (Co-PI) Total: $10,000 Characterizing tick-borne borreliae: From isolation of a novel species to in vitro measures of pathogenicity for described species Goals are to (1) isolate a novel Borrelia sp. detected in Amblyomma maculatum ticks in Mississippi, and (2) evaluate cytokine production from THP-1 cells exposed to known pathogenic and non-pathogenic Borrelia species. Results will be used for preliminary data in NIH R03 submission. Office for Research & Graduate Studies Grant, MSU-CVM 08/01/13-06/30/14 Eells, J. (PI), Varela-Stokes, A. (Co-PI), Wan, H. (Co-PI) Total: $9,850 Maternal immune activation and fetal dopamine neuron development Goals are to (1) determine effects of maternal immune activation (from Poly I:C exposure, Toxoplasma gondii infection, and influenza infection) on proliferation and survival of dopamine neurons and (2) Elucidate the effect of maternal immune activation on fetal dopamine neuron transcription factor expression. My main involvement is Toxoplasma gondii cultivation and mouse infections. Office for Research and Graduate Studies, MSU 07/01/12-06/30/13 Varela-Stokes, A.S. (PI) Total: $10,000 Detection of Gulf Coast tick-associated rickettsiae by fluorescence in situ hybridization The goal of this project was to continue to obtain preliminary data for an NIH R15 (described below) that scored 30 on resubmission. Office for Research and Graduate Studies, MSU 07/01/11-06/30/13 Varela-Stokes, A.S. (PI) Total: $16,000 Characterization of rickettsial co-infection in Amblyomma maculatum The overall goal of this project is to understand co-infection of Amblyomma maculatum by the pathogen, Rickettsia parkeri and by the novel rickettsia, Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae, which has unknown pathogenicity. Preliminary data generated from this proposal led to an NIH R15 (described below) that scored 30 on resubmission. Mississippi State University Office Research and Economic Development 01/01/ /1/13 Cross-College Research Group Award Total: $2000 Varela-Stokes, A.S. (Co-Investigator), Chambers, J. (PI). Survey of Biomarkers Related to Health Disparities in the Mississippi Delta Population The goal for this funding was to bring together a team across MSU with similar interests in evaluating the human population in the Delta region of Mississippi for diseases related to health disparities, including vector-borne diseases. At least one extramural grant was to be planned for submission. 12

13 Mississippi State University Office Research and Economic Development 01/01/ /1/12 Cross-College Research Group Award Total: $2000 Varela-Stokes, A.S. (Co-Investigator), Pote, L. (PI). Ecology and Infectious Diseases Research Planning Committee The goal for this funding was to bring together a team across MSU with combined interests in evaluating the ecology of West Nile virus in Mississippi, particularly in the Delta. One extramural grant (to NSF in Dec 2012, listed below) was submitted as a result. I participated in development of NSF proposal (Ecology & Evolution of Infectious Diseases); assisted in proposal writing, resubmission revision (Co-I). Office for Research and Graduate Studies, MSU-CVM 09/01/10-08/30/11 Varela-Stokes, A.S. (PI), Jones, K. (Co-PI) Total: $10,000 Avian Hemosporidian Parasites in Mississippi The goal of this project was to identify hemosporidian parasites (particularly Leucocytozoon spp.) in backyard poultry after black fly outbreaks in Mississippi and nearby states. Department of Basic Sciences Bridging Grant, MSU-CVM 06/30/09-06/29/10 Pinchuk, L. (PI), Varela-Stokes, A.S. (Co-PI), Nanduri, B. (Co-PI) Total: $13,000 Response of canine macrophages to infection with Ehrlichia chaffeensis through proteomic analysis The goal of this study was to evaluate protein expression of canine macrophages infected with E. chaffeensis. Varela-Stokes contributed to design of project, performed cultivation of E. chaffeensis and infections of monocytes as well as initial sample preparations for proteomic analysis. Office for Research & Graduate Studies Grant, MSU-CVM 06/30/09-06/29/10 Varela-Stokes, A.S. (PI) Total: $10,000 Reservoir hosts for the emerging tick-borne pathogen, Rickettsia parkeri The goal was to assess the importance of cotton rats and quail as reservoirs for Rickettsia parkeri, using field and experimental animal studies. Office of Research & Economic Development, MSU 01/01/08-12/31/09 Research Initiation Program Total: $9,967 Varela-Stokes, A.S. (PI). Natural history of Rickettsia parkeri Goals of this project were to evaluate Amblyomma americanum ticks in Mississippi for Ehrlichia spp., Borrelia lonestari, Francisella tularensis and Rickettsia spp., and wildlife hosts for evidence of exposure to rickettsiae and borreliae. Office for Research and Graduate Studies, MSU-CVM 08/01/07-06/01/08 Varela-Stokes, A.S. (PI) Total: $10,000 Natural history of tick-borne agents in Mississippi Goals of this project were to establish the geographic distribution and prevalence of selected tickborne bacteria, including Ehrlichia chaffeensis and R. parkeri, in Mississippi ticks. USDA CSREES no. MISV /01/07-08/31/12 Varela-Stokes, A.S. (PI) Total: $22,200 Biological significance of three bacteria, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Borrelia lonestari, and Francisella tularensis, transmitted by the tick, Amblyomma americanum Overall goals of this project were to: (1) investigate antigenic variation of B. lonestari during infection in white-tailed deer, (2) evaluate differential gene expression in F. tularensis while in the tick and mammal, and (3) investigate differences in host susceptibility to E. chaffeensis infection. 13

14 Grants awarded prior to coming to Mississippi State University Varela-Stokes, Andrea- CV Varela-Stokes, A.S. (PI), Quinn, F. (Co-PI), Hart, J. (Co-PI). Identification of Francisella tularensis tick-expressed antigens. SECEBT Partner Grant. Southeastern Center for Emerging Biologic Threats. Awarded One year grant. Total amount of award: $49,999 (direct). Varela, A.S. (PI), Davidson, W.R. (Mentor), Stallknecht, D.E. (Co-mentor). Infection Dynamics of Ehrlichia chaffeensis. K08 Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Award, NIAID, NIH. Awarded February Three year grant. Total amount of award: $310,519 (direct and indirect). Varela, A.S. (PI). Experimental infection of white-tailed deer with Borrelia lonestari. Faculty Research Grant, University of Georgia Research Foundation, UGA. Awarded January One year intramural grant. Total amount of award: $6,200. TEACHING (FTE 30%) 2007-present CVM 5163 Veterinary Parasitology- Course director (2008-current) and instructor (2007- current). 2 hr lecture. 3 hr laboratory. In addition to directing course and managing most lab sessions, teach 9 lectures on ectoparasites and cestodes, direct 4 labs on ectoparasites and cestodes, and currently also direct 3 labs on nematodes of veterinary importance. Was course instructor with 9 lectures and 3 labs taught in 2007 (Course director 2007: Dr. Linda Pote). Course is currently offered every spring semester to first year students in the veterinary curriculum (was offered Fall semesters prior to 2011) present CVM 8971 Current Topics in Parasitology (previously CVM 8990 and Directed Individual Study) Course director. This course is structured in a journal club format to cover current articles in parasitology. Topics over the years have ranged from vector-borne diseases to general parasites important to human and veterinary medicine. Students review and present critique of peer-reviewed articles in PowerPoint format. Students have also participated in group projects covering significant parasitology topics and have completed a mock online manuscript review as part of their grade. Graduate students and veterinary residents have taken this journal club. Has been taught approximately one semester (varies) every year. Last taught Spring (Fall) CVM 8164 Helminthology- Course director. 3 hr lecture. 3 hr laboratory. Reinstated graduate level course (had not been taught since previous faculty member left MSU, approximately 5 years prior). Course consists of lectures (75 min) twice weekly and a weekly laboratory session. Dr. Carla Panuska (now retired) taught seven lectures and assisted with lab sessions. Current concepts in morphology and identification, life cycle and host-parasite relationships of helminthic parasites. To be taught again Fall present WF/CVM 4263/6263 Wildlife Diseases- Lecturer (Course director: Dr. Steve Demarais; Dept. Wildlife, Fisheries, Aquaculture); upper level undergraduate/graduate cross-listed course in the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture and CVM; taught 11 lectures and 3 laboratory sessions on significant parasites of wildlife. This constitutes nearly 50% of the course. Taught in even year Spring semesters present NAVLE Board review course- Lecturer (Course director: Dr. Sharon Grace); review course for veterinary students preparing to take the NAVLE Board exam. Provide 2-hour review of veterinary parasitology using a case-based and NAVLE question format. Every Fall semester. 14

15 2010 BIO 6405 Pathogenic Microbiology- Guest lecturer (Course director: Dr. Karen Coats); upper level undergraduate and graduate course at Mississippi State University. 1-hour lecture on tick-borne diseases. Spring semester CVM 8011 CVM Seminar Series- Course director for Fall and Spring of 2009 (codirected in 2009 spring when partly on maternity leave). Coordinated seminars for graduate students and invited speakers present EPP 6173 Medical and Veterinary Entomology- Guest lecturer (Course director: Dr. Jerome Goddard); upper level undergraduate and graduate course at Mississippi State University. 1-hour lecture on ectoparasites of veterinary importance; Every Fall semester present Beef Production Medicine Elective- Guest lecturer (Course director: Dr. Carla Huston). Veterinary curriculum at Mississippi State University, CVM; 3-hour lecture/lab on parasites of importance to the beef cattle producer. Was offered once a year during clinical rotations Master s of Public Health, Veterinary Public Health Emphasis Program- Guest lecturer (Course directors: Dr. Brigid Elchos and Dr. Bill Epperson); graduate course at Mississippi State University. Offered two, 2-hour lectures on vector-borne diseases of public health importance; MPH is no longer offered. Other teaching at MSU DIS Courses for Graduate, Veterinary and Undergraduate students as requested or requires. Most recent in Spring 2015: DIS CVM 7000 (2 credit hours) Kayla Fast (Biological Sciences MS student); Parasitology Methods and Concepts ; description: One hour lecture/discussion, two hours laboratory session per week. Course will provide principles essential to broadening knowledge of general parasitology and topics specific to student project. Lecture/discussion topics will include parasite taxonomy, parasite ecology, effects of parasites on host behavior, and parasite biology and physiology. Laboratory sessions will include detection of parasites in host samples. DIS CVM 7000 (3 credit hours) Meredith Peach VanWick (CVM Veterinary Student Class of 2015 and non-thesis MS student); Veterinary Parasitology Laboratory Methods ; description: Four hour laboratory sessions, two hours independent study per week. Course focuses on preparing parasite specimens, presenting materials, and assisting in instructing veterinary students on identification of veterinary parasites, as presented in the Veterinary Parasitology CVM 5163 course. Current Issues in Parasitology for the Bovine Practitioner. Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association Summer Meeting. Invited to present two-hour lecture worth 2 continuing education credits (Meeting in Orange Beach, AL - July 2013). Current Issues in Parasitology for the Equine Practitioner. Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association Summer Meeting. Invited to present two-hour lecture worth 2 continuing education credits (Meeting in Orange Beach, AL - July 2013). Previous Teaching Experience (University of Georgia) 2006 Course director and instructor for the Advanced Small Animal Parasitology Elective Course in veterinary curriculum at the University of Georgia, CVM; taught all lectures and weekly labs on all parasites of veterinary importance; Fall semester. 15

16 16 Varela-Stokes, Andrea- CV Lecturer for Core Veterinary Parasitology Course (Course director: Dr. Ray Kaplan) in veterinary curriculum at the University of Georgia, CVM; taught 8 lectures and 4 laboratory sessions on ectoparasites and cestodes of veterinary importance; Fall semester. EXPERIENCE TRAINING STUDENTS (Mississippi State University) Graduate students (Major or Co-Major Professor): 2015-present Kaitlin Graham; Major Professor for Master s student beginning June Kaitlin was hired in the lab in Fall 2014 when she was an unclassified graduate student. She has been assisting with two tick-rickettsia projects and will be beginning full time on the project that was begun by a student, Todd Sullivan, who left the program in 2014 (see below) present Jung Keun ( Kevin ) Lee; Major Professor for doctoral student. Kevin is a veterinarian completing his pathology residency and began his PhD in September His research focuses on the A. maculatum (Gulf Coast tick)-rickettsial system; the project is funded through an NIH R15. He works part-time as an Anatomic Pathologist. 2014: C. Edward Couvillion, DVM, PhD, Endowed Graduate Travel Scholarship at MSU- CVM for outstanding graduate students /2014 Todd Sullivan; Major Professor for Master s student in Clinical Pathology Residency Program. Todd graduated with a DVM in 2012 and entered a residency with MS focused on the Gulf Coast tick in Bos taurus and Bos indicus breeds of beef cattle. Left Clinical Pathology residency and MS program in Fall /2012 Gail Moraru; Co-Major Professor for doctoral student; project investigated role of rodents and birds in the natural history of Rickettsia parkeri and Amblyomma maculatum. Dr. Jerome Goddard served as other co-major professor. Gail finished a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Haifa, Israel and returned to MSU-CVM as a post-doc on our R15. Received following awards: 2013: AAVP-CAPC Graduate Student Award in Zoonotic Disease; American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists and Companion Animal Parasite Council honors an outstanding graduate study in zoonotic disease annually. 2011: Redd Pest Control Scholarship from Mississippi Entomological Association 2010: C. Edward Couvillion, DVM, PhD, Endowed Graduate Travel Scholarship at MSU- CVM for outstanding graduate students 2010: Pat and Linda Harris Scholarship; Mississippi Entomological Association 2010: Women s Club Scholarship; Mississippi State University 2009: H. C. Mitchell Scholarship recipient; Mississippi Entomological Association /2012 Flavia Girao Ferrari (Girao); Major Professor for doctoral student. Flavia entered the program with a veterinary degree from Brazil and investigated the population genetics of R. parkeri and A. maculatum in Mississippi and began characterizing the sympatric species, Candidatus R. andeanae. Flavia became a Project Leader for a Parasitology lab at Merck Animal Health in DeSoto, Kansas after graduating and is exploring post-doctoral positions. Received the following awards: 2012: AAVP- Merck Outstanding Graduate Student Award; American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists honors an outstanding graduate student in veterinary parasitology annually. 2012: MSU-CVM Graduate Student Award- PhD; annual outstanding doctoral student. 2011: C. Edward Couvillion, DVM, PhD, Endowed Graduate Travel Scholarship at MSU- CVM for outstanding graduate students 2011: Mississippi State University Hispanic Student Association Excellence Award 2011: Pat and Linda Harris Scholarship; Mississippi Entomological Association