30 years ago today, the world of vector biology lost George B. Craig, Jr., a leading expert on Aedes mosquitoes. At Notre Dame, I’m lucky enough to work in his insectaries and care for his books. Here are some of my reflections on his legacy that I’ve had here. open.substack.com/pub/hefferna...

Loved Eric Ochomo’s call to action during the George B. Craig memorial lecture! Fighting vector-borne disease requires united, integrated, and bold actions now more than ever.

Had a blast presenting at and attending #PHAM2025!

I’m incredibly grateful to be funded through the NIH. Because of their support, I’m able to conduct research that helps fight mosquito-borne disease. The NIH funds countless researchers dedicated to helping improve human lives, and I hope they continue to give us that opportunity

Had so much fun with @rohrecologylab.bsky.social at #ESA2025! Can’t wait to be back

Just got to present @eselland.bsky.social and I’s Schistosomiasis lab project at ESA! While I primarily work with mosquitoes now, learning about Schistosomiasis in undergrad parasitology was what convinced me to become a disease ecologist. Such a cool full circle moment for me!

While out walking, this pair of insects fell from the tree canopy and landed right in front of me!

I’m normally an Aedes guy, but I had a blast learning how to do Anopheles midgut and salivary gland dissections today with members of the @aacostaserrano.bsky.social lab today! They’re the best!

Took a brief break from honeymooning to identify hundreds of Aedes albopictus larvae in a standing water basin at Villa Monastero in Varenna, Italy. Remember to drain or dump standing water!

Working on this project with @eselland.bsky.social and @rohrecologylab.bsky.social has been incredibly rewarding! Can’t wait to present on it further at ESA this fall 🐌

Thanks to everyone at @eeid2025.bsky.social for listening to me present our work yesterday on #schistosomiasis transmission across two ecological gradients! 🐌🪱 Excited to see how this project continues to take shape with @pmheffernan.bsky.social and the @rohrecologylab.bsky.social crew!

Turtles are out and rhododendrons in full bloom. Finally beginning to feel like a lovely summer 🐢☀️😁

What an amazing day discussing my field with legislators at the state capitol! I focused my presentation on how and why the thermal performance of vectors and pathogens should inform interventions and control strategies against mosquito-borne diseases across Indiana 🦟

Loving these rainy days in the PNW 😄

I really enjoyed Wendy S. Parker’s exploration of the adequacy-for-purpose view of assessing models. Determining if models are a solution in their problem space (target, user, methodology, circumstances, and purpose) is an excellent exercise for crafting holistic and purposeful science