Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets — Barriers to Bed Bugs?
My ongoing PhD research at NC State is focused on the unintended collateral effects that long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets (LLINs) might have had on the emergence of pyrethroid resistance in bed bug populations across the globe in malaria endemic regions. It has been suggested that pyrethroid resistant bed bugs play a role in disrupting LLIN use and adherence, which could further derail already stalled malaria control programs. While I am limiting my research scope to Tanzania for project feasibility, the results I have obtained, and those I am working towards, will be generalizable to any country or region with ongoing malaria vector control. Click on to see each of my innovative and fun projects!