Irma Sanchez-Vargas

My research interests include arbovirology and vector biology. I have extensive vector biology research experience. My past research has included investigations of virus transmission by mosquitoes and the vector’s innate immune response to alphavirus and flavivirus infections. I have worked with arbovirus for more than 19 years. My research has provided significant insight into the understanding of how arboviruses interact with their mosquito vectors. I’ve performed a considerable amount of vector competence studies in mosquitoes. I have extensive training and experience working with arboviruses in biosafety level 2 and 3 environments. I lead the day-to-day research activities in the BSL3 Virology suite and provide training for both US and foreign investigators in the safe use of these agents. My research group has extensively studied RNAi antiviral pathway responses in vectors, and we have a continuing interest in understanding arbovirus-vector interactions leading to arbovirus transmission. In addition to my virology (propagation and titration of virus, extracting viral RNA, etc.) and transgenic research, I have important expertise in the molecular biology of DNA and RNA (including skills with PCR, RT-PCR, DNA cloning, Northern and Southern blotting) as well as cell culture, protein purification, and immunostaining.