Biology : SURF Program Description

Dr. Neeta Connally

Associate Professor  
Science Building 140
connallyn@wcsu.edu
203-837-8749
https://sites.wcsu.edu/connallyn

BIOGRAPHY
Neeta Connally is a medical entomologist who oversees the Tickborne Disease Prevention Laboratory at WCSU. She holds a B.S. in Animal Biology from Louisiana Tech, a M.S.P.H. in Human Parasitology from Tulane University, and a Ph.D. in Medical Entomology from the University of Rhode Island. Before joining the WCSU Biology Dept. in 2011, she was an Associate Research Scientist at the Connecticut Emerging Infections Program at Yale School of Public Health where she oversaw epidemiologic studies pertaining to Lyme disease risk and the prevention of tickborne diseases in the northeastern U.S.

RESEARCH INTERESTS
Research in the Connally Tick Lab at WCSU focuses upon the prevention of Lyme and other infectious diseases transmitted by blacklegged ticks in the northeastern United States. In particular, we are interested in how diseases can be prevented peridomestically by manipulating the landscape, interfering with the tick life cycle, or by changing patterns of human behavior. Students are vital to helping the laboratory function. Since 2011, a total of 27 undergraduate students have contributed to Tick Lab projects. Our current work is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Environmental Protection Agency. We collaborate on Lyme disease prevention projects with the Town of Ridgefield Health Department, Western Connectict Health Network, Yale Emerging Infections Program, the CT Department of Public Health, and the TickEncounter Resource Center at the Univ. of Rhode Island. For more details about ongoing research, please visit http://sites.wcsu.edu/connallyn/connally-tick-research-laboratory/

SURF PRIMARY SETTING
Laboratory and/or field work.

SKILLS TO BE ACQUIRED DURING FELLOWSHIP

  • Field sampling techniques
  • Arthropod identification
  • Dissection microscope techniques
  • Data entry
  • Statistical data analysis
  • Use of GPS devices
  • Use of ArcGIS software
  • Creation of health promotion/education materials
  • Collaboration with community/university/CDC research partners
  • Developing web or social media content

SKILLS REQUIRED TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A FELLOWSHIP IN THIS LAB

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Good organizational skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Willingness to work outdoors in hot summer conditions
  • Willingness to handle live arthropods (including ticks)

FELLOWSHIP DATES
Contact faculty member for availability.


Program Description

Eligibility

Application

Former SURF Fellows

Faculty Mentors