Rückert lab
Arbovirology
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Welcome to the Rückert lab at UNR. We are a molecular biology research lab working on mosquito-borne viruses and their vectors. We may also dabble in tick-borne viruses and tick antiviral responses in the future.
Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) present a constant threat to public health across all continents except Antarctica. The global incidence is increasing due to climate change and globalization. The recent outbreaks of Zika virus and chikungunya virus across large parts of the Americas are examples for arbovirus emergence into new geographic areas. However, some arboviruses, such as West Nile virus or California encephalitis virus, also present a threat to the health of U.S. residents, including those of the state of Nevada.
Our research program focuses on the interactions of these arboviruses with their mosquito (or tick) vector. Specifically, we study the antiviral responses of mosquitoes. Our ultimate aim is to increase our understanding of virus-vector interactions to identify novel methods and targets for the control of arbovirus transmission.
My postdoctoral work at Colorado State University really paved the way for my laboratory's interests. I worked on antiviral RNA interference in ticks and Culex spp. mosquitoes, arbovirus coinfection of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and many other Zika, dengue, chikungunya and West Nile virus projects. I experienced working in a highly collaborative environment and I plan to nurture external and internal collaborations within my laboratory as well. If you are interested in joining the Rückert lab or collaborating with us, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Our lab has a no tolerance policy for racism and bigotry. We are developing an ever-evolving strategy to be an anti-racist and inclusive lab and I encourage all incoming lab members to live and work by our inclusive values. See also our statement on diversity & inclusion and our posts on resources to address equity and inclusion in STEM.
Our immediate action items include:
- We will have bi-annual diversity & inclusion lab meetings
- We will amplify the voices of Black scientists
- We will implement a 'Little Library of Anti-racism' on our lab shelf
- I will make regular donations to organizations that support diversity in STEM
- We will develop more 'action items' to actively combat racism and microaggressions in our lab, department, and academia
- We welcome any suggestions from outside sources to improve our inclusivity
UNR Land acknowledgement
We acknowledge that the University of Nevada, Reno is situated on the traditional homelands of the Numu (Northern Paiute), Wašiw (Washoe), Newe (Western Shoshone), Nuwu (Southern Paiute) peoples. These lands continue to be a gathering place for Indigenous Peoples and we recognize their deep connections to these places. We extend our appreciation for the opportunity to live and learn on their territory.