Amid international concerns over emerging infectious diseases, University of Arizona professor John Hildebrand will discuss insects that carry and transmit blood-borne parasites responsible for some of the world’s most devastating illnesses. His presentation is geared toward a general audience and part of the distinguished lecture series hosted by the Northern Michigan University chapter of Sigma Xi, the scientific research society. Hildebrand will address “The Most Dangerous Animals in the World: Arthropod Vectors of Disease” at 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, in Jamrich Hall 1322. Admission is free.

Hildebrand studies insect nervous systems—mainly the neurobiology of the olfactory system, its roles in behavior and related areas of chemical ecology and biology of disease vectors. His research provides tools to understand the behavior and sensory neurobiology of insects that transmit pathogens. It may also help to combat the effects of insects that are agricultural pests.

A former faculty member at Harvard and Columbia Universities, Hildebrand now teaches neuroscience chemistry and biochemistry, entomology and molecular/cellular biology at the University of Arizona.

For more information, contact Kurt Galbreath at kgalbrea@nmu.edu.