Medical entomology is the study of insects and arthropods as they relate to human and animal health It encompasses the biology, ecology, and physiology of vectors of human and animal diseases, including mosquitoes, ticks, sandflies, fleas, and mites. This field of study investigates the interactions between insects and humans or animals, and the potential risks of insect-borne diseases, such as malaria and Lyme disease.
Essay Topic #1: The Impact of Climate Change on Vector-Borne Disease Transmission: This paper would take the form of an in-depth exploration of how changes in the environment have impacted the activity of vectors, the spread of insect-borne diseases, and the ways in which humans, animals, and ecosystems are affected.
Essay Topic #2: Ticks and Lyme Disease: This paper would investigate the ecology of ticks and their role in the spread of Lyme disease. It would include a discussion of the biology and behavior of ticks, their role in the transmission of Lyme disease, and potential strategies for preventing or controlling the disease.
Essay Topic #3: The Impact of Insecticides on Disease-Vector Control: This paper would explore the impacts of insecticides on vector control and the potential harms associated with their use. It would review studies of insecticide resistance and the current best practices for controlling insect-borne diseases.
Essay Topic #4: The Intersection of Insect-Borne Disease and Poverty: This paper would consider the links between poverty and vector-borne disease transmission and the role of social and environmental conditions in the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. It would look at the impacts of environmental degradation and lack of access to medical care on vector-borne disease risk.
Essay Topic #5: Vector Control and Emerging Technologies: This paper would explore the use of emerging technologies for controlling insect-borne disease and the potential implications for public health. It would include a review of existing research on the efficacy of new tools, such as drones, traps, and sensors, and their potential to reduce the burden of insect-borne diseases.