This series spotlights the amazing students in the YSPH Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases (EMD) program. This month focuses on students who are studying ticks and tick-borne diseases. Here, Emily Johnson, 2nd year PhD student, tells us about the program and some of her exciting research in a Q&A format.
Please tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to pursue research in the EMD Department at the Yale School of Public Health?
Emily: I am a second year PhD student in the EMD department, working in Dr. Erol Fikrig's lab. I first completed the 5-year BS/MPH here studying Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry and Environmental Health Sciences, before finding my niche in tick-borne diseases and the EMD department. I was inspired to join the department by the amazing faculty pursuing groundbreaking and life-saving research through a variety of fronts, from benchwork, to surveillance, to modeling. I wanted to be able to pursue my passion for research learning by such incredible faculty and researchers.
What is the current focus of your research?
I focus on the host, pathogen, and vector interactions of Lyme disease, which is currently the most common vector-borne disease in the US. I want to understand how Borrelia can survive in mice, humans, and ticks. I am also involved in anti-tick public health interventions being studied in the lab.
What are some of the most significant findings or innovations from your tick-borne disease research?
My PhD project looks at protein interactions between Borrelia and the mammalian host, and Borrelia and the tick vector. I am beginning to uncover an uncharacterized receptor in the tick that may participate in cross-phyla signaling for its own development and may be utilized by Borrelia for survival.
The lab is moving in an exciting direction in the development of anti-tick vaccines, which would revolutionize how tick-borne diseases are prevented and treated.
Emily Johnson
Which emerging trends or technologies in tick-borne disease research do you find most exciting?
I am most excited about the movement from public health interventions from specific pathogens directly to targeting the tick itself. The lab is moving in an exciting direction in the development of anti-tick vaccines, which would revolutionize how tick-borne diseases are prevented and treated.
Where do you see the field of tick-borne disease research heading in the next few years, and what role do you hope your work will play in this future landscape?
I hope that the field continues to study the relationship between mammalian hosts and ticks, as well as dive deeper into understudied tick-borne diseases. With climate change on the rise, there is an ever important need to continue watching tick-borne diseases and finding new interventions on global health scales.
How has the EMD Department supported your research and academic goals?
The EMD Department has been instrumental in my development as a graduate student and researcher. Every faculty member is invested in our research interests and goals and have offered exceptional mentorship and support. I am particularly grateful to Dr. Fikrig as well as all the faculty members who have supported me in this journey.
What advice would you give to prospective students considering applying to the EMD training programs at Yale?
Explore the wide range of training opportunities in the EMD department! Between courses, seminars, training programs, and exploring the research and work being done by all the faculty members in the department, there are endless ways to expand our skills as we begin to engage in our academic goals and future public health careers.