Stephen M. Rich

Stephen M. Rich is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he leads the Rich Lab and the Laboratory of Medical Zoology. His work bridges evolutionary biology and public health through the lens of Medical Zoology, focusing on zoonotic diseases transmitted by arthropod vectors. The lab maintains active field sites across North America and Africa, with headquarters at Morrill Science Center IVN.

Education

• PhD in Organismic & Evolutionary Biology, University of California Irvine (1997)

Research Focus: Dr. Rich investigates zoonotic spillover mechanisms in vector-borne diseases, particularly Lyme disease and malaria. His lab employs multidisciplinary approaches integrating molecular evolution, population genetics, and field ecology to study pathogen adaptation from molecular to ecosystem levels. Current projects include developing Artemisia annua-based antimalarials and nationwide passive surveillance of tick-borne pathogens through public tick submissions.

Publication Trends: Analysis of recent work reveals three dominant themes: (1) innovative vector control (wearable repellents, natural compounds), (2) pathogen surveillance expansion (Lone Star ticks, Powassan virus), and (3) translational interventions (whole-plant malaria therapies, clinical tick testing). His group increasingly bridges laboratory science with community-based public health applications.

Advising & Infrastructure: Dr. Rich actively mentors students in field and lab settings, emphasizing cross-disciplinary collaboration. The Rich Lab operates the Laboratory of Medical Zoology, a public-facing initiative providing tick testing services and maintaining the largest crowdsourced tick-pathogen database in the U.S. This infrastructure supports both basic research and real-time disease monitoring.

Facilities: The lab utilizes both Fernald Hall (209B) and Morrill Science Center IVN (N418), with field sites spanning Massachusetts coastal islands to African malaria-endemic regions. Current projects include Project ITCH (community vector control surveys) and development of IMPDH inhibitors for Lyme disease treatment.