Emphasis is on vector competence of mosquitoes for transmission of the filarial worm Dirofilaria immitis .
Research is conducted on host-parasite interactions under field and laboratory conditions.
In field studies, species of potential vector, their rates of infection, and effects of seasonality on infection rates are investigated. An objective is to obtain basic information fundamental to the development of novel and more effective strategies to prevent vector trasmission of filarial parasites. Among other research interest is the induction of mosquito embryonic diapause with emphasis on reactions provoked by photperiodic and thermoperiodic stimuli. Parker, B. M. 1993.