Approximately 50 undergraduate and graduate students from the Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Agriculture and Food Sciences (CAFS) visited the Gulf South Vector headquarters at the New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board facility on March 28, 2026, during the 2026 Research Symposium of the Association of 1890 Research Directors, Inc. (ARD) in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Led by Dr. Claudia Riegel and her team, the tour introduced students to integrated vector management programs and career opportunities in public health entomology and vector control. Students explored several operational areas within the facility, including rodent control operations and vector identification laboratories, where they learned about medically important arboviruses and their roles in disease transmission. The visit also highlighted mosquito surveillance and control strategies used throughout the Gulf South region. Students observed various mosquito-trapping systems and learned how surveillance data are used to guide management decisions and public health responses. Demonstrations also showcased aerial mosquito control operations and the use of helicopters for area-wide treatments.
Hands-On Learning and Workforce Development
The tour provided valuable experiential learning and networking opportunities while exposing students to careers in vector surveillance, public health outreach, and integrated pest management. The visit was coordinated by Dr. Anamika Sharma as part of ongoing efforts to connect CAFS students with applied research experiences and workforce development opportunities. The event was also attended by several CAFS faculty and staff members from disciplines outside entomology, who appreciated the opportunity to learn about vectors, vector-borne diseases, and the critical role of integrated vector management in protecting public health.
Contributing Author
Anamika Sharma, Assistant Professor
Florida A&M University
