NEWVEC’s 2025 Summer Academy

Wednesday, May 28, 2025 through Friday, May 30, 2025 at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Space is limited. REGISTER by April 15, 2025.

Are you ready to step into the world of vector-borne disease research?

The NEWVEC Summer Academy is your gateway to hands-on training in mosquito and tick surveillance, field collection, and modern laboratory diagnostics. Designed for students and professionals eager to dive into the world of entomology and public health, this program offers an immersive experience led by experts in the field.

Your journey begins with John Briggs, program director of Pioneer Valley Mosquito Control. John will introduce you to the fascinating world of mosquitoes—how to trap them, identify key species, and understand their role in disease transmission. Through hands-on training, you’ll develop essential skills in mosquito surveillance while gaining a deeper appreciation of mosquito biology.

Next, Dr. Guang Xu, associate professor at UMass Amherst and a leading researcher with NEWVEC, will take you into the lab. Here you’ll explore the details of tick morphology and identification before diving into cutting-edge molecular techniques. You’ll learn how to extract DNA and use PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction, a laboratory technique used to rapidly copy specific DNA sequences) technology to detect pathogens just like professionals working to track and prevent tick-borne diseases.

Finally, you’ll head into the field with Nolan Fernandez, NEWVEC’s program coordinator. He’ll guide you through real-world tick sampling techniques and show you how researchers collect and study ticks in their natural habitats. Nolan will also assist in the lab, helping to bring everything full circle—from field collection to molecular diagnostics.

The NEWVEC Summer Academy is more than just a training program, it’s an opportunity to gain real experience, learn from experts, and take the first step toward a career in vector-borne disease research.

Are you ready to join us?