Lyme disease, the most common vector-borne disease in North America and Europe, is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, which can be transmitted by tick bite from animals (vertebrate reservoir) to humans, where it may spread to multiple organs manifesting as arthritis, carditis and neuropathy.

Our laboratory investigates the mechanisms of pathogen-host interactions, in particular how Lyme disease bacteria and other pathogens survive in distinct host environments (ticks and vertebrate hosts), resulting in pathogen transmission between hosts, dissemination, and disease manifestations. We utilize multiple genetic, biochemical, microbiological, and vector biological approaches to define the transmission of Lyme disease bacteria, and other pathogens transmitted by ticks, in the infection cycle.

Information from our studies will facilitate the development of prophylactic and therapeutic strategies to eventually block the route of human infection from Lyme bacteria and other pathogens.

Join our lab!

We are looking for motivated Ph.D./Master and undergraduate students. Lab members and the research projects in our laboratory are supported by the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, and New York State Department of Health. 

​Ph.D. Students

• Previous lab experience | Ecological and Evolutionary modeling or sequence analysis, Biochemistry (e.g. protein purification), Microbiology and Immunology (e.g. sterile techniques), Genetics and Molecular Biology (e.g. molecular cloning) and Entomology (e.g. insect dissection)
• Preferred coursework | Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Genetics and Molecular Biology, and/or Ecology & Evolution
• Our laboratory is affiliated with, and therefore application is through, the following program:
  • Biomedical Science (BMS) program in School of Public Health, State University of New York (SUNY) at Albany. 

Undergraduate Students

• Previous lab experience | None required
• Preferred coursework | Biology, Chemistry, and/or Physics 
• Our undergraduate students normally work with us from June to August; however, you are always welcome to contact us for the opportunity to work in our laboratory. 
• You are encouraged to apply for the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program from Wadsworth Center supported by National Science Foundation. This program will provide stipend support for the research in our laboratory. ​

Feel free to contact Yi-Pin.Lin@health.ny.gov for more information about our laboratory.