Project:

The Presence of Invasive Mosquito Species in Suffolk County Long Island

Students:

Morgan Oh, Olivia Nunez, Cordelia Gleason

School:

St. Dominic High School, Nassau

Mentors:

Pamela Shanley

Abstract:

The introduction of invasive mosquito species into Suffolk County presents a serious threat to public health and biodiversity. The temperate climate of Long Island and urbanization creates a prime environment for invasive species, two of which are the Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito) and the Aedes japonicus (Asian bush mosquito) due to the abundance of standing water sources such as bird baths, old tires, and clogged rain gutters, among other sources (Mosquitoes). This study seeks to explore the current presence, prevalence, and biogeography (the geographical distribution) of invasive species of mosquitoes. Suffolk County Health Department sends samples from mosquito traps to the DNA Learning Center from various locations across Suffolk County. These samples can be used to determine the prevalence of invasive mosquito species in different places on Long Island. We can infer from this information that the presence of standing water and the effects of urbanization will affect a lo

Poster:

Team samples:

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