Professor Gerard Killeen
Gerry Killeen is an ecologist and epidemiologist who has spent over 18 years living in east Africa, working on the behavioural ecology of mosquitoes and biologically rational approaches to more effective control of vector borne parasites like malaria and lymphatic filariasis, as well as arboviruses like Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya. Gerry’s previous work on malaria vectors has helped shape global policies on coverage targets and target product profiles for insecticide treated nets and established implementation models for larval source management with environmentally friendly biological insecticides. Gerry’s work on the host preferences and feeding behaviours of malaria vector mosquitoes has influenced ongoing global research investment priorities and his recent move to UCC through an AXA Research Chair Award extends that work to examine how community-based wildlife conservation creates both obstacles and opportunities for enhanced malaria vector control in Africa. Closer to home, undergraduate research projects Gerry supervises include the influence of captivity on vocal territorial advertising by Asiatic lions at Fota Wildlife Park and risks of avian pathogen importation into Ireland through migratory birds.
