IHHE - BVBD testimonials

Haswell Dambolachepa (Plant Pathologist, Ministry of Agriculture, Malawi) ‘‘What a rare opportunity it was to learn about the Biology of Vector-Borne Diseases. The course has positively impacted to my professional development as a plant pathologist, and I will apply the knowledge gained to manage to plant vector-borne diseases that significantly reduce crop production.”

Byron Hernández (Researcher, AGROSAVIA, Colombia) "Participating in the 2024 version of Biology of Vector-borne Diseases course at Idaho University was transformative. The curriculum was comprehensive, and the faculty were incredibly knowledgeable. I gained invaluable insights, which significantly enhanced my research skills and professional growth."

Participant: Ana Perez Rodas (Researcher, International Potato Center, Perú) “I am very thankful to have been a recipient of the U.S. National Science Foundation Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases scholarship to attend the Biology of Vector-borne Diseases course. This scholarship allowed me to meet colleagues worldwide from diverse disciplines and learn about their projects on vector-borne diseases. I recommend the BVBD course because it was interactive; each activity was a positive challenge to participants. Congratulations to the organizers for the course development.”

Anita G. Villacís (Research Professor, Center for Research on Health in Latin American, Ecuador) “I highly recommend this course. To attend this course was an incredibly and enriching experience. I enjoyed the content (theoretical and practical), which provided me with new insights for my work. The networking opportunities were also invaluable, allowing me to connect with excellent professionals. Thanks to anyone who made it possible.”

Jovin Mahendeka (Laboratory Scientist, National Development Corporation,Tanzania) “Outstanding course and prime occasion – BVBD has provided me with new knowledge and skills on how hosts – pathogens – and their shared environment are multifaceted with respect to One Health perspective. The vector-disease modeling approach demonstrated was fascinating. Thank you so much all organizers for your time and tirelessly demonstrations.”

Heidy Gamarra (Research Associate, International Potato Center, Perú) “It was a great opportunity to learn about other vector-borne diseases.

This course is useful for my current research objectives related to the action plan for controlling Bactericera cockerelli, Zebra Chip and Tecia solanivora, current pests that are affecting Peru.”

Godfred Yaw Boanyah (PhD scholar, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Kenya) “The Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease course was an eye-opener as it directed the focus of those of us in human health to broaden the scope of our research perspective by considering plants and animals as well. The knowledge gained is going to be crucial in my research career after my PhD studies.”

Sylvia Thiong’o (Graduate student, University of Wyoming , USA) "BVBD is an excellent opportunity for scientists working with vectors/vectorborne diseases to appreciate the effects of vectors on the health of plants, animals and humans. I highly recommend anyone studying vectorborne diseases and vectors to attend."

Jessica Thomson (Laboratory Scientist, Missouri State Public Health Lab, USA) “Attending the BVBD course was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

The course material was very interesting and provided me with a different perspective on how the presence of vector-borne diseases impacts plant, animal and human health worldwide.”

Rafael Kroon Campos (Postdoctoral fellow, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, USA) “It was a great opportunity to learn about new topics, break down siloed thinking, network with the U.S. and international BVDV community, and get inspiration on ways to enhance my own teaching.”

Oluwaseun Ajileye (PhD student, Texas A&M University, USA) “It was a great experience to learn the complex dynamics of vectorborne diseases in plants, animals and humans. As a PhD student, I am looking forward to applying the knowledge gained to my research area in vector ecology and tick-borne diseases."

Andres Visintin (Associate Professor, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina) "The BVBD course broadened my understanding of different pathosystems.

Having the chance to network with other professionals from around the world was an enriching experience, and the instructors were amazing. It definitely was a great learning experience. I highly recommend this course."

Mary Ann Ammugauan (Entomologist, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Philippines) “I am grateful to be part of this very impressive and interactive six-day course packed with multidisciplinary research lectures. Enjoyed the wicked challenges and case studies working along with different nationalities. I am fortunate to be able to connect with several outstanding scientists from various countries which inspires me to do better in vector-borne research and perhaps can make research collaborations together.”

Mariana Geffroy López (PhD student, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México) "Participating in the BVBD course was invaluable. Learning from top experts who were aware of the One Health approach gave me insights into different vector-host systems I can apply to my research. The dynamic, engaging environment made the experience enjoyable, with lots of networking and communication activities that fostered collaboration and knowledge-sharing.”

Alex Eapen (Scientist, National Institute of Malaria Research, India) "It was a great opportunity to learn more about plant and animal vectors since I work on vector-borne diseases. The exercise on mathematical modeling will be useful for designing models for Malaria and other mosquito-borne arboviral diseases.”

Kevin O. Ochwedo (Postdoctoral fellow, University of Idaho, USA) “The 2024 BVBD course provided an excellent framework for understanding the interconnectedness of plant-animalvector-pathogen across research disciplines. The course topics are relevant to my postdoc, which focuses on noninvasive, environmentally friendly methods of reducing malaria vector populations and Plasmodium transmissions.”

Lydia Eyase (Researcher Scientist, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kenya) “This was an eye-opening experience on all aspects of vector-borne diseases. It will definitely have an impact in my current PhD research on tick-borne viruses, their associated vectors and competency.”

Juan Vicente Bogado Machuca (Researcher, National University of Caaguazú, Paraguay) “Participating in the BVBD was an incredible experience that enhanced my understanding of vector-borne diseases, particularly in plants. I particularly appreciated the expertise of my classmates, which provided valuable networking opportunities. The sense of community and shared goals created a stimulating environment, making the BVBD program a transformative experience I highly recommend to anyone interested in this field.”