I am an assistant professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Arizona. I obtained my BS. in Biochemistry and Pharmacology, my MSc. in microbial genetics of human pathogens, and my PhD. in Entomology, focusing on tick microbiome and tick physiology.My research interests involve developing novel strategies for controlling and preventing tick-borne illnesses. Using molecular tools, our lab aims to better understand the intricate associations between the tick tissues/systems, the tick microbiome, and the animal host to identify molecular factors associated with disease transmission and uncover novel targets for tick management and the mitigation of tick-borne disease.