The Prusinski Lab primarily studies the ecology and epidemiology of tick-borne diseases, utilizing a combination of field and laboratory-based research methods to explore the dynamics of vector ecology and conduct tick-borne pathogen surveillance.

Ongoing research projects include

• monitoring of tick populations and the prevalence of associated pathogens as they relate to incidence of tick-borne disease in people
• exploring the ecology of tick and pathogen geographic range-limits
• assessing the impact of environmental and climatic variables on tick populations
• vector and pathogen population genetics studies.

In collaboration with the Ciota Lab and others at Wadsworth Center, we also investigate rare and emerging tick-borne pathogens of public health significance, such as those causing Powassan encephalitis and tick-borne relapsing fever.

The Prusinski Lab also hosts summer Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU)_[1] students. Potential areas of research for summer REU students include: prospective and retrospective studies to determine the prevalence and distribution of Ehrlichia muris eauclairensis and Borrelia mayonii in host-seeking ticks, which would lead to a better understanding of exposure risk for these emerging pathogens across New York State; examining how environmental factors like leaf litter composition and forest structure impact microclimate and tick establishment, which may help better characterize tick habitat requirements leading to improved predictions of vector distribution, or epidemiological analysis of tick bite data obtained through the NYSDOH Tick Identification Service, which may aid in identification of risk groups and help to target tick-borne disease prevention efforts.