Michelle Riehle

Michelle Riehle, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Her research focuses on understanding genetic and microbial mechanisms governing malaria parasite infection in mosquito vectors, particularly the Anopheles species. She leads the Riehle Lab, which investigates non-coding genome elements like enhancers and RNAs, and explores how mosquito microbiomes influence immune responses to Plasmodium falciparum.

Dr. Riehle holds a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of California, Irvine (2003). Her work integrates genetics, molecular biology, and computational approaches to address malaria transmission dynamics. Key areas include identifying genetic loci controlling malaria susceptibility, characterizing transcriptional enhancers, and analyzing microbiome interactions with host immunity.

Her research has identified critical genetic loci and immune factors in Anopheles mosquitoes, such as the APL1 gene family and Toll pathway components. Recent studies highlight the role of non-coding regions and microbiome composition in shaping vector competence. Collaborative projects in Cambodia and West Africa explore ecological and genetic drivers of malaria transmission.

Dr. Riehle advises graduate students like Kathryn Taquet and collaborates widely, including with the Anopheles gambiae 1000 Genomes Consortium. Her lab’s findings contribute to developing novel malaria control strategies rooted in genetic and ecological understanding.