معرفی
Marco Neira is a Researcher at The Cyprus Institute's Climate and Atmosphere Research Center (CARE-C). Previously, he served as a Full Professor at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE), leading research on mosquito-borne diseases and vector control. His work spans molecular physiology, environmental impacts on mosquitoes, and innovative strategies for disease prevention. Neira holds a B.Sc. in Biological Sciences from PUCE (1999), a Master’s in International Studies, and a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Ohio University. He conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Florida, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, and Oxitec Ltd. His research group at PUCE focused on arbovirus monitoring, pesticide resistance, and climate-driven disease dynamics. At CARE-C, Neira integrates climate science with public health, addressing environmental toxins, heat stress projections, and vector-borne disease risks. He has pioneered technologies like dried bait stations for mosquito control and contributed to policy frameworks for climate adaptation in health sectors.
Education:
- B.Sc., Biological Sciences, PUCE (1999)
- M.Sc., International Studies, Ohio University
- Ph.D., Biological Sciences, Ohio University
Research Interests:
- Climate change impacts on vector biology and disease transmission
- Insecticide resistance mechanisms in mosquitoes
- Development of novel vector control tools
- Machine learning for environmental risk forecasting
- Public health strategies for arboviral diseases
Key Contributions:
- Co-developed the AIMSurv surveillance framework for Aedes mosquitoes in Europe
- Advanced lure-and-kill technologies for Aedes aegypti control
- Monitored Zika virus prevalence in Ecuadorian mosquito populations
Labs/Teams: Active in CARE-C’s climate modeling and public health research teams at The Cyprus Institute.
