People

I am an integrative biologist interested in how host-microbe interactions shape insect resilience in our changing world. I focus on both host-pathogen encounters as well as insect relationships with their microbiomes. Our lab has a particular interest in the winter biology and temperature-dependence of these interactions. Currently we are focused on mosquitoes and ticks, working towards understanding how their ability to resist and transmit disease will shift with climate change.

You can contact me at laura.ferguson@acadiau.ca

You can find me in the Biology Building (33 Westwood Avenue) room 335

I am a Master's student joining the Ferguson lab after graduating from Acadia with a BSc in Biology.  My research focuses on the impact of climate change on the overwintering success of mosquitoes in Nova Scotia.  I am looking at their overwintering survival after exposure to climate change conditions to see how warming winters will impact their interactions with pathogens and modify their energy use.   When I'm not searching for mosquitoes, you may find me out on a run in Wolfville!

Sammy is an MSc student in the Hillier and Ferguson labs investigating the cold tolerance and overwintering behaviour of introduced predators of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. Sammy's work will allow us to predict the success of these introduced insects, and folds into the larger efforts of the Hillier lab to establish a rearing and release program to protect hemlock forests in Nova Scotia.

Hi there! I joined Dr. Ferguson’s lab after finishing my BSc in biology at Carleton University. My research will be focusing on insect biomass and biodiversity in Nova Scotia, trialing a new technique to harness the data contained within the bits of ill-fated bugs smooshed onto the fronts of vehicles. In my free time I’m usually playing video games or on the hunt for bugs and other cool critters!

Maddy is an Honours student in the Smith and Ferguson labs investigating the physiological impacts of the blood parasite Hepatozoon clamatae on the function of the Malpighian tubules of its mosquito host, Culex territans.

Hi! I am a 4th year honours student in Dr. Ferguson’s lab. I am investigating how varying temperatures and humidities affect the depth Ixodes scapularis burrows into leaf litter. This research will improve the scientific knowledge surrounding tick behaviour and enhance current acaricide techniques for controlling tick populations.  

Hi everyone! I am a fourth-year honours student in Dr. Ferguson’s lab. My research focuses on West Nile virus and its vector, Culex pipiens mosquitoes. Although West Nile virus is not common in the Maritime provinces, it is important to understand what is limiting the number of cases of West Nile virus here in order to understand how its distribution and abundance will be affected by climate change. 

Amanda is an ENVS Honours student working in the Javorek and Ferguson labs studying microplastic contamination in wild bees across the Annapolis Valley.

Audrey is a Research Topics student working to develop a membrane-feeding system for ticks, co-supervised by Dr. Faraone and Dr. Luis Anholeto in Chemistry.

Andrew is a Research Topics student working to optimize a protocol for fungal infections in overwintering mosquitoes as well as quantifying the prevalence and intensity of water mite infections on the mosquito Coquilletidia perturbans