Raymond Russell

Dr. Raymond Russell is an Associate Professor of Biology at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW). Prior to academia, he served for 14 years as a civilian instructor pilot in the U.S. Air Force Flight Screening Program and later as a production test pilot for Northrop Grumman in Texas. He holds degrees from Southwest Texas Junior College (A.S., Aviation Technology, 1983), UIW (B.S. and M.S. in Biology, 1998 and 2000), and a Ph.D. in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences from Texas A&M University (2008).

His research focuses on Lutzomyia spp., the biological vectors of Leishmania mexicana, with studies emphasizing vector ecology, distribution, and disease transmission dynamics. He has conducted fieldwork in Texas and Nicaragua, contributing to understanding sandfly populations and their roles in parasitic diseases.

Dr. Russell teaches courses such as Ecology and Parasitology. His publications span vector biology, molecular systematics of rodents, and entomological surveys in tropical regions. While no formal awards are listed, his work underscores contributions to medical entomology and ecological research.