Current Members of the Aardema Lab

Matthew L. Aardema
Assistant Professor, Department of Biology
Montclair State University
&
Visiting Scientist, Sackler Institute
for Comparative Genomics
The American Museum of Natural History
RESEARCH INTERESTS: Ecology and evolution of arthropod vectors & arthropod-vectored pathogens (predominately Anaplasma phagocytophilum); comparative genomics & convergent evolution

Kelly Zimmerman, PhD Student, MSU
Research Interests: Comparative biogeography of Invasive Aedes mosquitoes in North America; autogeny in Aedes albopictus.
Research Interests: Comparative biogeography of Invasive Aedes mosquitoes in North America; autogeny in Aedes albopictus.

Sufiyanu Ahmed, MS Student, MSU
Research Interests: Influence of temperature variation on survival, growth and development time in Culex mosquitos
Research Interests: Influence of temperature variation on survival, growth and development time in Culex mosquitos

Domenica Mousa, MS Student, MSU
As climate begins to shift and change, life on Earth is also impacted.The objective of Domenica's research is to identify, analyze and determine any trends of WNV prevalence in response to climatic changes from 1999-2019. Monmouth County, New Jersey will be used as the model region; Monmouth County is a very populated county especially in the summer months when WNV is most active. The use of climatic data to examine trends in WNV numbers will give a better understanding of what to expect in future years as global climate change transforms Earth’s climate.
As climate begins to shift and change, life on Earth is also impacted.The objective of Domenica's research is to identify, analyze and determine any trends of WNV prevalence in response to climatic changes from 1999-2019. Monmouth County, New Jersey will be used as the model region; Monmouth County is a very populated county especially in the summer months when WNV is most active. The use of climatic data to examine trends in WNV numbers will give a better understanding of what to expect in future years as global climate change transforms Earth’s climate.

Natalie Epstein, MS Student, MSU
Natalie is investigating genetic and environmental factors that influence the expression of circadian rhythms in the urban adapted mosquito, Culex molestus.
Natalie is investigating genetic and environmental factors that influence the expression of circadian rhythms in the urban adapted mosquito, Culex molestus.

Karen Catalina, MS Student, MSU
Research Interests: Phototaxis in Culex molestus
Research Interests: Phototaxis in Culex molestus
We're looking for enthusiastic graduate researchers to join the lab.
Please contact Matthew if you are interested in one of the projects listed on the 'Projects' page
(or have an idea of your own you'd like to pursue).
Please contact Matthew if you are interested in one of the projects listed on the 'Projects' page
(or have an idea of your own you'd like to pursue).