The impact of urbanisation on vector-borne transmission: avian malaria as a case study
Supervisors
DR Francesco Baldini, School of Biodiversity, University of Glasgow
Dr Luigi Sedda, Lancaster University
Dr David Dominoni, School of Biodiversity, University of Glasgow
Summary
Urbanisation alters wildlife disease dynamics, but the mechanisms remain unclear. Our recent research on blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) near Glasgow found that nestling hatching timing, not urbanisation itself, was the primary predictor of avian malaria prevalence, suggesting a critical role for vector-host phenological overlap. This PhD project will mechanistically test this hypothesis across urban and rural sites.
Integrating field ornithology, entomology, and molecular parasitology, the student will address three questions: (1) How does the spatiotemporal overlap between blackfly emergence and nestling hatching influence nestling infection risk, and does this differ between habitats? (2) What are the dynamics of seasonal relapse in adult birds, and are they altered by urbanisation? (3) Is adult relapse linked to nestling infection, and how does urbanisation affect this transmission pathway? Using a spatiotemporal modelling framework, the student will disentangle these complex interactions.
The scholar will receive comprehensive, project specific training in: ornithological and entomological field skills, molecular biology (DNA extraction to qPCR). advanced modelling of time-series and species interactions. Transferable skills will also develop through DTP courses and retreats, as well as via supervisory training. These will include systematic review, statistical analyses, scientific writing, presentation skills. This unique blend of ecological, molecular, and analytical expertise will prepare the student for diverse careers in academia or industry.