Sally L Paulson, PhD
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My area is medical and veterinary entomology and my 9-month appointment is 100% teaching. I teach Medical and Veterinary Entomology (lecture and lab) and Virology for upper level undergraduates. I also supervise 2 to 3 undergraduates in research projects each year. My graduate teaching responsibilities include teaching Urban and Public Health Entomology (50%), Field and Laboratory Methods in Vector-borne Disease Research (20%) directing M.S. and Ph.D. student research, and serving on graduate student committees. In addition, I teach Animal and Plant Biosafety and Biosecurity (50%) as part of the on-line Master's of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
The most significant role played by mosquitoes in public health is as vectors of various pathogenic organisms. Understanding the biology of the vector is crucial to understanding the epidemiology of the diseases transmitted by these insects. A major focus of my lab research is La Crosse (LAC) encephalitis virus, the most common and important endemic mosquito-borne disease of children in the USA. LAC encephalitis virus has been on the move, expanding its range from the traditional upper Midwest distribution into the Southeast. To investigate the apparent emergence of LAC virus into areas of southwestern Virginia we are looking at various factors such as the role of newly introduced mosquito species in the transmission of disease and developing better methods to measure the rate of virus transmission in a location. Another research area is the development of novel insecticides. Insecticides are a major tool for controlling vector populations and reducing the transmission of pathogens. However, the incidence of mosquito-borne diseases is increasing globally in part due to the development of resistance in the vector to the insecticides being used. I am part of a research group that is using a state-of-the-art experimental approach called "in situ click chemistry" to develop a selective insecticide with low toxicity to humans. The resulting product(s) would then be tools in the antimosquito arsenal, providing viable alternatives to existing insecticides as part of a resistance management scheme.
Blurb last modified at 2007-08-06 16:00:15.0.
Professional Memberships
- American Mosquito Control Association
- American Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
- Entomological Society of America
- Sigma Xi - The Scientific Research Society
- Society for Vector Ecology
Personnel
- Staff
- Wage or Other Employees
Projects
- Development of Insect Neuronal Cultures
Relatively little work has been done on the development of monolayer neuronal cell cultures of invertebrates. This project aims to develop a simple technique for producing large amounts of insect neuronal tissue from an immortal cell line.
- Emerging Foci of La Crosse Encephalitis Virus Activity
La Crosse (LAC) virus is the leading cause of pediatric encephalitis in the U.S. Since its discovery approximately 40 years ago, most cases have been reported from the upper Midwestern states. However, in the past decade a southeastern focus of LAC virus has emerged with increasing numbers of cases being reported from West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia. Complicating the situation is the possible involvement of two non-native species of mosquitoes that have recently become established in LAC virus endemic areas. Isolation of LAC virus from several pools of mosquitoes collected in the New River Valley of southwest Virginia in 2002, an area from which no human cases have yet been reported, suggests that LAC virus may be continuing to expand its range in Virginia. The purpose of this research is to determine the extent of LAC virus activity in southwest Virginia. Two hypotheses are being tested in three regions in southwest Virginia. The first hypothesis is that accessory vectors, most specifically Ae. albopictus, are contributing to the increased incidence of LAC virus. Second, that canine seroprevalence can be used as a practical indicator of LAC virus transmission rates to vertebrates in an area.
- Molecular Design of Selective Anticholinesterases for Mosquito Control
Malaria is a disease with an enormous impact on the developing world, and new mosquitocides are needed to control it. We are approaching this problem by using state of the art molecular modeling and a novel "click chemistry" technique.
- West Nile Virus Surveillance
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease that is normally found in Africa, West Asia and the Middle East. However, an outbreak of West Nile virus in the New York City metropolitan area in the late summer of 1999 resulted in over 60 confirmed human infections with 7 deaths.This is the first time that West Nile virus has been found in the Western hemisphere. In response to the introduction of this new virus threat, the Virginia Interagency Arbovirus Task Force was formed in December 1999.
Courses
- BIOL 4664 Virology
Classification, structure, replication, and pathogenesis of viruses of animals, plants, and bacteria. Epidemiology, prevention and treatment will also be considered. Pre: 2104, 2604, and 2614 (3H, 3C).
- ENT 3254 [BIOL 3254] Medical & Veterinary Entomology
An introduction to the roles of insects and other arthropods in the direct causation of disease in humans and animals, and as vectors in the transmission of disease organisms. The epidemiology and replication cycles of vector-borne pathogens with major medical and veterinary importance will be examined. Information will be provided on the biology and behavior of disease vectors and external parasites, and on the annoying and venomous pests of humans and animals. Mechanisms of control will be discussed. Pre: BIOL1105, 1106, BIOL 1115, 1116 (3H, 3C) II.
- ENT 3264 [BIOL 3264] Medical & Veterinary Entomology Lab
Taxonomy and anatomy of insects and arthropods of medical and veterinary importance. Examination of feeding behavior and ecology. Emphasis on the mechanism of injury or pathogen transmission by each group. Pre: BIOL1105, 1106, BIOL 1115, 1116. Co: ENT 3254. (3L, 1C) II.
- ENT 5224 Vector-Borne Dis Res Meth
An in-depth examination of techniques currently employed to study vectors of human disease, as well as the pathogens they transmit. Topics include: vector sampling methods; vector competence; recombinant virus infectious clone technology and uses; isolation of pathogens from field vector populations; development and uses of transgenic vectors; GIS, remote sensing, and landscape analysis in vector surveillance; as well as arbovirus containment issues related to biosafety level 2 and 3 situations.
- ENT 5624 [PPWS 5624] Animal and Plant Biosafety and Biosecurity
Principles, tools, and techniques of disease detection, early warning, and containment of animal and plant pathogens. Regulatory agencies and guidelines used to ensure the biosafety and biosecurity of the US food supply from accidental introductions and potential bioterrorism. Pre: APSC/PPWS 5044. (3H, 3C).
- ENT 6004 Urban and Public Health Entomology
The Urban and Public Health Entomology course (2 units) was developed and presented in the Spring of 2005. This course was pilot-tested as a graduate course with the intention of making it a combined graduate/undergraduate course after incorportating student feedback. The overall goal of the course was to familiarize students with the major urban and public health pests and the issues that contribute to their pest status. I was responsible for the urban entomology portion of the course. My specific goal was to introduce students to the issues associated with insect pests invading human living space, and the feelings/perceptions that people have about pesticide applications in their environment. My laboratory portion of the course was intended to give students hands-on experience in dealing with pest management issues. Listed here are the highlights. I led the class on a field trip to the National Zoo to meet with the person responsible for pest management. We toured the zoo and discussed the consequences of pest infestation at a national landmark. These issues included reduced aesthetics, limited methods of pest control, danger to valuable display animals, and the potential for very bad press. As a follow-up to this visit, the class was required to develop an IPM program for the Mill Mountain Zoo in Roanoke VA. The class also interviewed individuals suffering from multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). During the interview students had the opportunity to learn first-hand what it was like to live with MCS every day. They were also able to draw their own conclusions about whether MCS is a medical or phychological condition.
Resources
- Master's of Agriculture and Life Sciences (on-line) → website
This curriculum offers a master's degree to place-bound learners. This is a multidisciplinary effort with courses in five areas of concentration. Several Entomology Department faculty teach courses here.
- Med & Vet Entomology Lab
A cell culture and arbovirus laboratory. This facility is maintained at the Biosafety Level 2 for work involving agents of moderate potential hazard to personnel and the environment. Equipment includes a biological safety cabinet, carbon dioxide incubators and an ultralow freezer. A walk-in environmental chamber is used for maintaining mosquito colonies.
- Med & Vet Entomology Lab II
This lab is the hub for field research activities. Also, it contains 2 walk-in environmental chambers for additional mosquito rearing.
Recent Publications
- Click lambert, R., Resler, L. M., Kolivras, K., Brewster, C. C., Paulson, S. L. 2008. The potential for emergence of Chagas disease in the United States. Geospatial Health 2(2): 227-239
- Grim, D. C., Jackson, B. T., Paulson, S. L. 2007. Abundance and bionomics of Ochlerotatus japonicus (Diptera: Culicidae) in southwestern Virginia. . J Am Mosq Control Assoc. (in press).
- Jackson, B. T., Paulson, S. L. 2006. Seasonal abundance of Culex mosquitoes in southwestern Virginia. . J Am Mosq Control Assoc. 22 (2): 206-212.
- Youngman, R. R., Bloomquist, J. R., Hall, J. B., Paulson, S. L., Whittier, W. D. 2006. Agricultural Animal Pest Control: A Guide for Livestock Managers in Virginia (134 pp.). Va. Coop. Ext. pub. 456-215
- Jackson, B. T., Paulson, S. L., Youngman, R. R., Scheffel, S., Hawkins, B. 2005. Oviposition preferences of Culex restuans and Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae for selected infusions in oviposition traps and gravid traps. J. American Mosquito Control Association. Vol. 21: 360-365
- Barker, C. M., Paulson, S. L., Cantrell, S., Davis, B. S. 2003. Habitat preferences and phenology of Ochlerotatus triseriatus and Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in southwestern Virginia. . J Med. Entomol 40: 403-410.
- Christopher, B. M., Brewster, C. C., Paulson, S. L. 2003. Spatiotemporal oviposition and habitat preferences of Ochlerotatus triseriatus and Aedes albopictus in an emerging focus of La Crosse virus.. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association 40: 403-410
- Barker, C. M., Brewster, C. C., Paulson, S. L. 2002. Geospatial and statistical modeling of mosquito distribution in an emerging focus of La Crosse virus. . Proc Mosq Vector Control Assoc Calif 70:103—107.
