Community
The Center for Vector-Borne, Zoonotic, and Emerging Diseases (CVBZED) at UTRGV actively engages both the UTRGV and Rio Grande Valley communities through research dissemination, outreach, and educational programs.
Community Engagement and Outreach
CVBZED promotes engagement by:
- Presenting student and faculty research at regional, national, and international conferences.
- Delivering seminars to local outreach and professional organizations.
- Providing expertise to local and regional agencies, including government and media.
- Increasing educational opportunities for both UTRGV students and the wider community.
- Hosting guest speakers to discuss ongoing research, emerging pathogens, and potential health impacts.
- Developing workshops and educational programs in collaboration with external partners.
- Supporting professional development for local health officials and vector-control agencies.
Public Seminars
Seminar: From DNA to Diagnostics: Creating Molecular Diagnostics for Emerging Pathogens and Pests
Presenter: Dr. Erin Schuenzel
Date & Time: November 30, 2022, 5:30–6:30 PM
Location: UTRGV Edinburg Campus, EMAGC 1.318
Objectives:
- Explain the methodology of creating and using DNA-based molecular diagnostics.
- Review viruses, bacteria, and insect pests monitored in the South Texas border region.
Seminar: Arboviruses in South Texas – Vulnerable Populations
Presenter: Dr. Beatriz Tapia
Date & Time: September 29, 2021, 4:00–5:00 PM
Registration: Zoom Registration Link (Expired)
Objectives:
- Recognize the incidence and prevalence of arbovirus diseases in South Texas.
- Understand the importance of education for identifying and preventing arboviruses along the US-Mexico border.
Contact:
- Phone: (956) 665-7170
- Email: cvbzed@utrgv.edu
Conferences and Annual Events
5th Annual South Texas Tropical Medicine and Vector-Borne Conference – February 2020
- Purpose: Promote awareness of vector-borne diseases and the interdisciplinary approach to control and prevention.
- Topics: Vector biology, surveillance, environmental and public health, diagnostics, control techniques, and regulations.
- Participants: Experts from universities, state and local vector-borne agencies, and CDC research entomologists.
- UTRGV Representation: Dr. Christopher Vitek, students Jeremy Marshall, Rachel Malampy, and Consuelo Aguilar.
4th Annual South Texas Tropical Medicine and Vector-Borne Disease Conference – February 2019
- Focus: Awareness of vector-borne diseases in South Texas.
- Participants: Local and state vector-borne agencies, state-wide experts.
- UTRGV Representation: Drs. Vitek, Feria, Thomas, and student Wendy Westerheide.
Western Gulf Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease (WGCVBD) – June 2019
- Hosted by: UTRGV Center for Vector-Borne Disease
- Purpose: Annual meeting for updates on research progress and education efforts.
- Attendees: Scientists from USDA, CDC, Mexico, Texas Department of State Health Services, Cornell University, Oklahoma State University.
- Highlights: Two-day event, student discussion forum on careers in vector biology, keynote by Dr. Chris Paddock (CDC pathologist and rickettsiologist), guest speaker Dr. Jay Morrow (UTRGV School of Medicine).
Educational Outreach
- High School Engagement: Dr. Tamer Oraby presented to Sharyland High School students in October 2019 on his research in vector-borne diseases.
- Impact: Students showed high interest, especially those planning medical-related careers.