Jessica Martin

I am broadly interested in the ecology of host-parasite interactions and tick-borne diseases. In the Chihuahuan desert of SE Arizona, I am investigating the effects of the mammalian community (in particular jackrabbits and kangaroo rats) on rodent ectoparasites (fleas and ticks). This work is conducted in collaboration with a team led by Dr. Morgan Ernest as part of a long-term ecological experiment called The Portal Project.

In addition to the community-level host-parasite dynamics, I am working with Dr. Barbara Han at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies on a project that utilizes machine learning techniques to predict which tick species are most likely to spread zoonotic diseases in the future. For this project, I am compiling data on the morphological traits, life history, host species, and geographic distribution of ticks in the genus Dermacentor.

Moving forward, I am interested in applying ecological frameworks and analytical tools to the study of tick-borne diseases in order to better mitigate risks to human health.

Twitter: @JMARtweets

jesmart@stanford.edu

jesmartin@gmail.com