Announcements
Led by Dr. Nicole Achee and Dr. John Grieco, the Belize Response Initiative for Cold-Chain (BRICC) initiative in partnership with the Pulte Institute for Global Development will facilitate an efficient, reliable, and resilient national cold-chain systems to ensure the accuracy of COVID-19, dengue, Zika and other biological sample testing in Belize. Learn more here.
American Chemical Society: August 22-26, 2021
Dr. Achee will be presenting at the American Chemical Society National Meeting Fall 2021 on Advancing Towards a Spatial Repellent Global Health Policy, during the Advances in Vector Control and Insecticide Science Symposium.
The ACS Fall meeting will be held August 22 to 26, 2021 in Atlanta, GA and virtually.
AMCA: March 2-5, 2021
Dr. Achee was an invited speaker at the virtual American Mosquito Control Association annual meeting, where she presented her work on “Efficacy of a spatial repellent to protect against malaria and Aedes-borne viruses: outcomes from phase III clinical trials.”
Dr. Achee's podcast on Mosquito-Borne Diseases and Spatial Repellents: January 21, 2021
Dr. Achee was the guest of Ted Fox's podcast "With a Side of Knowledge" where she gave an interview on Mosquito-Borne Diseases and Spatial Repellents. To listen to the podcast, please click here.
20th International Congress for Tropical Medicine and Malaria: August 17-21, 2021
During the 20th International Congress for Tropical Medicine and Malaria (ICTMM) in Bangkok, Thailand in August 17-21, 2021, both Dr. Achee and Dr. Grieco will be invited speakers. They will respectively give a presentation on “Establishing a mosquito surveillance and resistance monitoring network in Belize, Central America” and “Spatial Repellents for Malaria Vector Control”. Dr. Achee will also be the chair of the symposium "Novel Tools for Vector Control".
International Congress of Entomology: July 18-23, 2021
Dr. Nicole L. Achee will present her research on “The Male Aedes Sound Trap: Field results from Central American and Pacific regions” at the International Congress of Entomology (ICE) on July 18-23, 2021 in Helsinki Finland.
Entomological Society of America: November 16-19, 2020
Both Dr. Achee and Dr. Grieco will be invited speaker at the Entomological Society of America (ESA) in November 16-19, 2020, that will be held remotely. They will respectively present on Status of Spatial Repellents for Global Public Health Use" and “Spatial Repellents for Malaria Vector Control - Updates from Kenya RCT”.
American Chemical Society: August 16-20, 2020
Dr. Nicole L. Achee will be an invited speaker for "Spatial repellents for the control of mosquito-borne disease: Updates from clinical trials and status of WHO recommendations”, at the American Chemical Society (ACS) in August 16-20, 2020, that will be held remotely.
Drs. Achee and Grieco to present their research during the Mexico Virtual Lecture Series: May 26, 2020
In Mexico, Dr. Achee and Dr. Grieco monitor mosquito and tick populations connected to dengue, chikungunya, zika, and other diseases in Chiapas. Their research also develops strategies to control these vector populations and limit disease spread. They work closely with the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, as well as the Centro Regional de Investigación en Salud Pública in Tapachula.
To register for the lecture please click here.
Study provides insight into spatial repellents as method to reduce infection of vector-borne diseases, encourages additional research:
12th Vector Control Advisory Group (VCAG) Meeting: June 8-10, 2020
Drs. Achee and Grieco will be presenting updates on the use of spatial repellent products in front of the Vector Control Advisory Group (VCAG) at the World Health Organization.
Eck Center for Global Health in Mexico: January 13-16, 2020
Drs. Achee and Grieco were part of a Notre Dame- Eck Center for Global Health delegation that went to Mexico to explore and develop future collaborations. They met with members of the Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon in Monterrey and of the Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad Ciudad Salud and the Regional Center for Public Health Research (CRISP) in Tapachula.
Entomological Society of America: November 17-20, 2019
Dr. Achee and Dr. Grieco both presented their research during the Entomological Society of America in November. Dr. Achee gave a presentation on "Public health value of spatial repellent to protect against malaria infection on Sumba Island, Indonesia" and Dr. Grieco on “Spatial repellency as an emergent technology/use pattern in vector control programs”.
11th Vector Control Advisory Group (VCAG) Meeting: November 11-13, 2019
Drs. Achee and Grieco were in Geneva in November to provide guidance on the use of spatila repellent products in front of the Vector Control Advisory Group (VCAG) at the World Health Organization.
Fall Undergraduate Research Fair (FURF): October 31, 2019
Diane Lee’20 was presenting her research at the Fall Undergraduate Research Fair (FURF) on her research done in Belize, entitled “Biosurveillance of Vector-Borne Diseases in Northern Belize”.
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE JOINT ANNUAL MEETING (COS JAM): MAY 3, 2019
Two students from the Achee-Grieco lab were both presenting their researches at the 13th annual College of Science Joint Annual Meeting (COS-JAM) on May 3, 2019 on Notre Dame Campus.
Emily Hansen’21 (left) presented her research entitled “Insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti, the primary vector of dengue and Zika in Belize, Central America”, and Jessica Lee’20 (right) had a poster on “Investigation of Permethrin Resistance in Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes”
Jessica Lee
Emily Hansen
6TH ANNUAL UB BIOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY SYMPOSIUM: MAY 17, 2019
On May, 17th, 2019 the University of Belize held its 6th Annual Biology and Chemistry Symposium. BVEC continue to be a very active partner with the University of Belize and this year they sponsored prizes for the poster competition as well as printing of the Abstract booklets. This year, one of BVEC’s very own, Marla Magana, presented at the Symposium the Summary Outcomes of the Vector Surveillance component that BVEC is involved in through the IMPACTS project. The winners of the Poster competition were 1st Prize: Mr. Clinton Cho, 2nd Prize: Mr. Wilmer Guerra and 3rd Prize: Ms. Sabrina Blanco.
SAN JOSE GOVERNMENT SCHOOL HEALTH FAIR: MAY 15, 2019
On May 15th, 2019 BVEC attended the Holistic Health Fair at San Jose government school. Primary school students from all levels came by the booth to learn about common vectors of Belize and how to protect themselves from these diseases. The Health Fair was organized by teachers of the school as well as the Peace Corp volunteer, Ms. Elizabeth Williams. It was also attended by HECOPAB, Vector Control, Public Health Inspectors, Doctors and Nurses, NDACC and other NGOs.
CHW TABLET TRAINING: APRIL 12, 2019
On April 12, 2019, BVEC held a training session with the Community Health Workers from the Orange Walk District. The purpose was to train the CHWs on how to use a form on the tablets. This initial training was much needed so that the CHWs can get used to using the tablets to input their home visits as opposed to the typical paper forms that they are currently using. The training session is in preparation for the tablets that will be handed over to the Ministry of Health of Belize through the IMPACTS project.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH WORLD TUBERCULOSIS DAY: MARCH 29, 2019
On March 29th, 2019 BVEC took part in the Ministry of Health’s World Tuberculosis Day event. BVEC assisted in giving out information about vectors and vector borne diseases to the attendees of the event along with other entities that participated. They also displayed some of their surveillance equipment to show the tools they use to gather this information.
NAZARENE HIGH SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTAL DAY: MARCH 13, 2019
On March 13th, 2019 BVEC was invited to set up a booth at Nazarene High School on Belize City. The purpose of the Environmental Day was to educate the students about environmental awareness and how they can play a role in its preservation. BVEC did an educational talk about the different vectors, vector borne diseases and preventative methods.
IMPACTS ANNUAL MEETING: FEBRUARY 25, 2018
On February 25th 2019, BVEC hosted an Annual Meeting event to showcase the data collected towards the vector surveillance component of the IMPACTS project. The surveillance data was presented by BVEC directors Dr. John Grieco and Dr. Nicole Achee. The meeting was first held in Belize City, followed by a field visit. It was attended by members of the Ministry of Health of Belize, University of Belize, Mayo Clinic, members of the Eck Institute for Global Health of Notre Dame as well as the BVEC team.
4th SR Annual Meeting in Notre Dame Campus: June 2018
The partners of the Spatial Repellents program gathered on June 20 and 21st for the 4th annual meeting of the program, in the campus of the University of Notre Dame, Indiana. Each sites gave an update on their activities and exchanged ideas. To learn more about the Spatial Repellents Program, please click here.
5th Annual UB Biology-Chemistry Symposium: Wednesday, May 16, 2018
As one of the main sponsors of the UB Symposium, we attend this event yearly to embrace the work of local students in the different fields of Science. Every year, University of Notre Dame students also take part in the symposium to showcase the different projects they are working on in-country and to inspire the young Belizean scientific community to pursue research in the fields of medical entomology.
San Felipe Wellness Fair: Saturday, May 5, 2018
This activity focused on wellness and disease prevention. BVEC's role in this activity was to educate the community on types of mosquitoes and the disease that they transmit, with a focus on prevention of mosquito-borne diseases.
Lab Members Present at 2018 COS-JAM
Sarah Denning’19 and Robert (Bobby)Wozniak’ 19 from the Achee-Grieco lab were both presenting their research at the 12th annual College of Science Joint Annual Meeting (COS-JAM) on May 4, 2018 on Notre Dame campus.
Sarah presented her research on “Effects of Transfluthrin on Ae. Albopictus Attraction to Experimental Oviposition Sites” and Bobby’s poster was titled: “Investing the Effects of Ivermectin on the Mortality and Behavior of Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes”.
Sarah Denning
Bobby Wozniak
Santa Cruz Wellness Activity: Friday, April 30, 2018
This activity was geared at educating Primary School students from the Infant and Upper Division at the Santa Cruz Government School. A total of 70 students were engaged in a very dynamic session about the primary vectors in Belize, the diseases that they transmit, and how to treat and prevent these diseases.
Lab Undergraduates Present Research at Annual Meeting of the Minds Conference
Two of the Achee-Grieco lab, Jugyeong (Esther) Lee ’18 and Alexis Green ’19 were presenting their research at the 13th annual Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Meeting of the Minds conference was held in April at Boston College.
Alexis presented her research entitled: "Data on Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Surrounding Malaria Intervention in Villages of Thailand" that was conducted in the summer of 2017. Her research was supported by the Hesburgh-Yusko Scholars Program and hosted by Dr. Theeraphap Chareonviriyaphap of Kasetsart University in Bangkok.
Esther presented her research entitled: "Effect of the Topical Repellent para-Menthane-3, 8-diol on Blood Feeding Behavior and Fecundity of the Dengue Virus Vector Aedes aegypti", which was partially sponsored by an EIGH Undergraduate Research.
Alexis Green
Jugyeong (Esther) Lee
PAHO presentation in March 2018
BVEC was presenting its work and research at a reginoal technical meeting of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
PAHO promotes technical cooperation between countries and works in partnership with ministries of health and other government agencies, civil society organizations, other international agencies, universities, social security agencies, community groups, and other partners. PAHO promotes the inclusion of health in all public policies and the engagement of all sectors in efforts to ensure that people live longer, healthier lives, with good health as their most valuable resource. To know more about PAHO, click here.
Presentation at Belmopan Comprehensive High School
On February 2, 2018 Donovan Leiva from BVEC was giving a presentation at the Belmopan Comprehensive High School to introduce the students to general mosquito knowledge, mosquito borne diseases (Dengue, Chikingunya, Zika and Malaria). He also demonstrates the use of BG sentinel and Ovitraps.
Muffles High School Science Fair Judging: Friday, January 26, 2018
In this event, BVEC senior staff serve as judges for Science Fair projects created/designed by High School Students. The main goal is to promote Science in young minds and embrace the bright minds of our young scientific community by providing guidance and mentorship.
TABLET TRAINING 2 in Belize
In mid-December 2017, BVEC held its second part toward the tablet training sessions in which trainees learned and practiced how to create their own forms and all the processes involved in using them. This session was a follow-up session to the previous one in November and the same trainees participated throughout both sessions.
NAZARENE HIGH SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTAL DAY in Belize
BVEC was invited by Science teachers of Nazarene High School in Belize City in early December 2017 to be a part of their environmental awareness day. Here BVEC set up their booth amongst other local NGO’s and shared knowledge on Vectors and Vector Borne Diseases as well as education on identification of vectors and the importance of having a clean environment.
TABLET TRAINING 1 in Belize
In November 2017, BVEC held Part 1 of a two part Training Session on the Use and Creation of Digital Forms as they introduce the importance of Mobile Technology. BVEC’s Donovan Leiva and Alvaro Cruz led the tablet training initiative given to members of the MOH Northern Unit
The BVEC at the 4th Annual UB Science Expo
BVEC participated again in another Science Expo at the University of Belize in November 2017. This year the team had to opportunity to share their knowledge with students from primary, secondary and tertiary levels.
Notre Dame and NBC featured BVEC research in Belize as part of the "What would you fight for?" series
November 3, 2017
In 2016, the Zika Virus ravaged South America. When Zika was found in Belize, the Ministry of Health turned to researches from the Belize Vector Ecology Center for help tracking and slowing the outbreak.
For more information and watch the video, click here.
Nicole Achee will be at the VCAG
October 24- 26, 2017
As a member of the VCAG (Vector Control Advisory Group), Nicole Achee will guides innovators in data and documentation requirements, and advises WHO on the public health value of new tools, technologies and approaches. This advisory group was jointly established by the Global Malaria Program and the Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases.For more information about the VCAG, click here.
Santa Martha Flood Relief
October 2017
This event was aimed at educating the Santa Martha community on mosquitoes and the disease that they transmit, particularly Aedes mosquitoes that transmit Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya. This event was unique in the sense that it happened during a very vulnerable time for the people in the village as they were experiencing the impacts of heavy rainfall and flooding. Our goal was not only to educate but to provide support and assistance in a time of great need.
2017 Outreach Activities
May 24, 2017
BVEC is proud to continue sponsoring the Annual Biology & Chemistry Symposium at the University of Belize, Central Campus, Belmopan City. At this annual symposium, faculty and students present their research findings to peers and community members to raise awareness the sciences and facilitate scholarly engagement.
Each year, top posters are awarded prizes through the support and generosity of BVEC managing directors Drs. Nicole L. Achee and John P. Grieco. This year, the BVEC symposium awardees are:
1st place: Briean William (Poster Title: Historical Water Quality Data of the Belize River & watershed Extracted from Environmental Impact Assessments)
2nd place: Aspiro Urbina (Poster Title: Species Richness and Abundance of Dung Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) of Saint Herman’s Blue Hole National Park, Belize)
3rd place: Alexandra Fabro (Poster Title: The Isolation and Identification of Parasites and Culture Dependent Bacteria from the Internal and External body of Petenia splendida, Bay Snook, in the Crooked Tree Lagoon
Additionally, MSGH students from the University of Notre Dame engage in the UB Annual Biology & Chemistry Symposium, often presenting portions of their capstone projects.
2017 UB Symposia awardees
Briean William (Right) with BVEC Research Staff Donovan Leiva and Marla Magaña
Aspiro Urbina (Right) with BVEC Staff Marla Magaña and Donovan Leiva
Alexandra Fabro (Right) with BVEC Staff Marla Magaña and Donovan Leiva
Left to right: BVEC Staff Donovan Leiva and Marla Magaña, Julianie Pasos (Dean of Faculty of Science and Technology), Karen Waight (Chair of the Biology Department) and 2017 MSGH students Emma Forrest and Chris Knaub
Lab Members Present at 2017 COS-JAM
May 8, 2017
Juniors Kenneth Elkin and Robert Wozniak presented their research at the annual College of Science Joint Annual Meeting (COS-JAM) in Jordan Hall on Friday, May 5th. COS-JAM is a way for Notre Dame undergraduates from all scientific disciplines to present on the research they have conducted through a poster session. Elkin’s poster was titled ‘Effect of Metabolic Stress on Chlorfenapyr Efficacy using a Novel Flight-Stress Apparatus’ while Wozniak’s poster was titled, ‘Investigating Odorant-Baited Traps and Miltefosine for Control and Treatment of Chagas Disease in Belize, Central America.’ Additionally, junior Esther Lee also participated in COS-JAM this year, giving an oral presentation on ‘The Effect of Topical Repellents on Dengue Vector Behaviors.’
The Achee/Grieco laboratory is excited that several of our undergraduates were able to disseminate their findings to fellow undergraduates and colleagues through COS-JAM. We look forward to having more undergraduates engage in this event in the future.
Kenneth Elkin
Robert Wozniak
Esther Lee
Junior Esther Lee Presents at Scientia
March 3, 2017
Esther Lee presenting her research at Scientia (2/28/17)
Esther Lee, a member of the Achee/Grieco laboratory presented her work ‘Analyzing the Effects of PMD on Aedes aegypti Fecundity and Blood Feeding Behavior’ at the Scientia ‘Talk Science’ event on February 28th. The work presented comprises of Esther’s independent research project, conducted from 2016-2017, with funding from the College of Science Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship. To see the full talk, please click here. (Note: Title slide omitted from video due to technological difficulties)
Members of Achee/Grieco Lab Win Innovation Award
February 17, 2017
Members of the Winning Team and Laboratory (L to R) Kristin Andrejko, Delaney Lenaghan, Alexis Green
The Notre Dame Global Health Case Competition is a multidisciplinary opportunity for students to propose solutions to a case study focusing on 21st century global health issues. Kristin Andrejko, Alexis Green, and Delaney Lenaghan, all members of the Achee/Grieco Laboratory, were part of a team that won the Innovation Award for this case competition on February 3rd, 2017.
Teams of students participating in this event spent a week developing and creating an original solution. To see more information on this innovative presentation, click the link below.
Global Health Case Competition
End Malaria For Good
February 6, 2017
Malaria remains both a major cause and a consequence of global poverty and inequity: its burden is greatest in the least developed areas and among the poorest members of society. Many of those most vulnerable – especially young children and pregnant women – are still not able to access the life-saving prevention, diagnosis and treatment they so urgently need.
According to the World Malaria Report 2016, in 2015, there were 212 million new cases of malaria and 429,000 deaths. One child dies from malaria every two minutes.
We can be the generation that ends malaria – one of the oldest and deadliest diseases in human history.
World Malaria Day is a chance to shine a spotlight on the global effort to control malaria. Each year onApril 25, Roll Back Malaria (RBM) partner organizations unite around a common World Malaria Day theme.
It is an occasion to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria prevention and control.
Lego League Team Wins Innovative Solution Award for Skeeter Tracker
January 5, 2017
Front Left to Right: Acy Brown, Donaven Gordon, Kenna Cooley, Sarah Oliva, Sean Lidy, Sam Letcher Back – Left to Right Coach Steve Lidy, Emma Thilman, Isabella Listello, Coach Mark Listello, Coach Gina Hite
FIRST LEGO League Team 18067, the Holy Legos from the Queen of Peace Catholic School in Granger, Indiana has won the top award for Project Presentation and Innovation Solution Award for the Skeeter Feeder – a potential strategy to assist in the effort to control mosquitoes around the world. The Holy Lego team received guidance from Dr. Nicole Achee on the Skeeter Feeder. The First Lego League is a world-wide organization based on programming and robotics using solely legos.
3rd Annual UB Science Fair
November 2016
BVEC was invited to be a part of the 3rd Annual UB Science Fair in November 2016 which was bigger than the previous year. There was a bigger turnout of students who were are actively engaged and asking questions. Students from all levels came around to learn about the different vectors and to gain knowledge on threats such as the Zika virus and preventative methods.
Let’s Have a Moment of Science at the Shamrock Series Game
October 27, 2016
Come join us at the Let’s Have a Moment of Science STEM Presentations at the Notre Dame Shamrock Series football game in San Antonio, Texas. Drs. Achee and Grieco will both be presenting on tropical diseases in the US.
See the flyer for additional information!
International workshop on “Insecticide resistance in vectors of emerging arboviruses: challenge and prospects for vector control”
September 22, 2016
The Worldwide Insecticide resistance Network (WIN) is holding an international workshop will serve as a forum for addressing the challenges and priorities for the management of insecticide resistance and the control of vectors of emerging arboviruses worldwide. It will promote exchanges of ideas among scientist, stakeholder, industry, donor agencies and international institutions to provide national authorities with recommendations for the improvement of insecticide resistance surveillance and deployment of alternative vector control tools. This workshop is supported by the WHO Research & Training program on Tropical Diseases (TDR) and the Department of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) through the Worldwide Insecticide resistance Network (WIN). Click here for further information!
See the flyer for additional information!
Notre Dame mosquito lab provides valuable research
August 31, 2016
ABC 57 News got an inside look at the Achee/Grieco mosquito research lab at Notre Dame. Click here to see the interview with Nicole L. Achee, PhD!
UB 3rd Annual Bio/Chem Symposium
May 2016
In May of 2016, BVEC participated in the University of Belize’s Biology and Chemistry Symposium. Each year the University highlights research projects that students and lecturers are undertaking. In this event, BVEC was represented by our fellow Notre Dame MSGH students: Olivia Ahearn and Victoria Wadman as they presented on their Capstone projects that they were engaged in for the summer.
New Hope High School Science Fair
March 2016
On March 2016, BVEC was invited to the New Hope High School Science Fair to share our knowledge of vectors and vector borne diseases with the students and attendees. Students from both primary and secondary level institutions were present at the event.
2nd Annual UB Science Expo
November 2015
BVEC is a proud participant of the University of Belize Science Expo held yearly in the month of November. BVEC made its first appearance in the expo on November 2015 and have since continued to participate. Being the National University, UB invited schools from primary, secondary and even tertiary level institutions to be a part of the event and visit the different booths so they can gain insight to the field of science.