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

As a cell and molecular biologist, I aim to find environmentally friendly solutions for managing arthropods of medical and veterinary importance, with a special focus on ticks. I apply techniques such as histology, histochemistry, laser scanning confocal microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy to study the effects of synthetic and natural products on tick internal organs. As a member of Dr. Ferguson's lab since 2023, I have been involved in two main research projects: one on the identification of mosquito species, and another on investigating the acaricidal activity of an entomopathogenic fungus against ticks.

I joined Dr. Ferguson’s lab in 2023 to complete my Master’s thesis after graduating from Acadia university with a BSc in Environmental Science. Currently, I am collecting mosquito samples all around New Brunswick as part of our mosquito species monitoring project. I am interested in the overwintering habits of mosquitoes, specifically species overwintering in storm drain catchments. When I am not collecting mosquitoes, I am usually getting bit by them while hiking, flyfishing, or kayaking.

I am a graduate student in Dr. Ferguson’s lab. The mosquito team and I are currently monitoring mosquito species throughout New Brunswick, P.E.I., and Nova Scotia. I’m specifically interested in analyzing what arboviruses are present throughout our mosquito species in the Maritimes and their proximity to humans. I’m also passionate about entomology. In my free time you can often find me stopping randomly on sidewalks and hiking trails checking out our lovely insect friends.

Hi everyone! I am a Master’s student in Dr. Ferguson’s lab. My research focuses on how the causative agent of Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) affects the winter physiology of the black-legged tick, Ixodes scapularis. This work will help determine why B. burgdorferi infection may enhance overwintering survival, and improve our ability to predict the prevalence and infection risk associated with ticks in Canada. Outside the lab, I enjoy staying active and reading!

I am a 4th year biology student here at Acadia University who it currently completing my Honours in Dr. Ferguson’s lab. My research focuses on the cold tolerance of mosquito larvae and adults after the ingestion of microplastics. As such, you can often find me around town collecting mosquito larvae in the best stagnant water pools (please feel free to come say hi!)

Hello! My name is Lili Ricker and I’m currently entering my fourth year of my undergraduate degree in biology at Acadia University. For my honours research I am actively participating in mosquito surveillance around NB, NS, and PEI. My portion of this project largely focuses on creating an effective way of sustaining mosquito surveillance by implementing public science. After I graduate from Acadia, I plan to continue my studies to obtain a masters degree in Forensic science. My ultimate career goal is to one day become a forensic DNA analyst where I can apply my love for biology and science into helping the community to the best of my abilities.

I'm a 4th year biology major at Acadia. I am currently working on my Honours in Dr. Ferguson's lab as well as Acadia's co-op program. My research topic is about cold tolerance of mosquito larvae and adults in conjuncture with microplastics ingestion. I am also double minoring in History and English. I'm very interested in working with aquatic habitats and insect identification.

I am a third year biology major working as a field technician with Gemma Rawson in Dr Laura Ferguson’s lab. I am interested in disease ecology and microbiology in both insects and mammals. Through this position, I also have a new found love for entomology! Aside from this position, I love spending time outdoors and going to the gym :)

Scotia is a Research Topics student studying the effects of winter climate change on hatching success of an invasive species of mosquito, as well as the persistence of microplastics in the guts of mosquito larvae.

Jorja is a Research Topics student studying the prevalence of Lyme and other tick-borne pathogens in our local blacklegged ticks

Sammy is a Research Topics student studying the overwintering behaviour of blacklegged ticks