Iowa State University · BiologyWest Nile Virus Transmission Lab
Megan Elizabeth Meuti · Ames, Iowa
Research Focus
Dr. Megan Meuti's lab focuses on understanding the seasonal patterns of West Nile virus transmission, particularly how urban and rural environments affect the spread of the virus. By combining field data from mosquitoes and birds with advanced mathematical modeling, the lab aims to uncover the factors that drive WNV outbreaks each year. This research not only helps predict when and where outbreaks may occur but also informs public health interventions to protect both human and animal populations.
West Nile virusarbovirusdisease transmissionecosystem modelingurban-rural differences
Research Aims
5AIM 01Develop predictive models of West Nile virus transmission in urban and rural areas.
AIM 02Uncover how seasonal changes impact mosquito and bird populations that host WNV.
AIM 03Identify environmental factors that influence WNV outbreaks during peak seasons.
AIM 04Investigate how urbanization affects the overwintering of infected mosquitoes.
AIM 05Create adaptable models for predicting disease patterns across various locations.
Skills the Lab Values
mathematical modelingfield data collectionmosquito trappingavian ecology studiesphylogenetic analysis