Improving Public Health Knowledge Through An Analysis of Anaplasma-Infected Ixodes scapularis in Pennsylvania

Erin Disandro ’26, Isabella Pontrelli ’24, and Matthew Baresh ’25

Faculty mentor. Dr. Edwards

What is the broader impact of your summer research? That is, why should the world care about your work?

My summer research project focused on ticks and their pathogens as a means to improve the health of countless people. Ticks and the pathogens they carry are immensely prevalent in the Northeast United States. These pathogens pose a threat to one’s health, so a better understanding of these tick-borne pathogens can seek to improve the health of many members of the population. To help improve the health of the population, my research project specifically focused on the tick-borne pathogen called Anaplasma. While other pathogens, such as the one that causes Lyme Disease, are well-studied, there is still so much to learn about Anaplasma. Through this research project, I provided information on the spread of Anaplasma-infected ticks in Pennsylvania to contribute to the general body of knowledge surrounding tick-borne pathogens. 

What has summer research taught you about yourself and the field that you researched and/or studied?

Participating in summer research has allowed me to re-appreciate my love for learning. As I researched and learned about ticks and their pathogens without the stress and fatigue that comes from a normal semester, I realized again how much I love the process of learning and scientific inquiry. Performing research this summer has allowed me to appreciate the value in continuous inquiry and questioning. At the core of any research project are researchers who never stop asking questions and wondering “why.” It is through these questions that the beauty of scientific research arises. 

What advice would you give to students considering a future research opportunity similar to the one you participated in?

I would highly encourage any student to get involved in a research opportunity such as the one I participated in this summer. This opportunity has taught me so much about my personal, professional, and academic goals and has allowed me to define my career goals.