ciera morris

Collected and organized data of particulate matter measurements across the Pacific Northwest. Performed baseline statistical analysis on the increase of particulate matter levels within the United States and the detrimental effects on community health in wildfire affected areas. Collaborated with team members to adequately interpret and represent our findings to the general public.

I am currently researching tick phenology and species composition within the Roanoke Valley area and its relation to the high incident rates of Lyme disease when compared to other regions across the United States. I conduct monthly data collections at 12 sites located throughout the Roanoke Valley region, and confirm species identification both morphologically and through molecular techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR amplification, gel electrophoresis, and gel extraction for genome sequencing. I perform statistical data analysis to indicate population fluctuations between tick species and their life cycle stages, primarily between Ixodes scapularis, Amblyomma americanum, and Dermacentor variabilis. I will be defending this research for departmental honors in April 2019 through a written manuscript and oral presentation. This study will be presented at the Hollins University Science Symposium in Roanoke, VA in April 2019 and at the Southeastern Society for Parasitology Conference in Athens, GA in April 2019.