I am a molecular biologist working on sand fly-Leishmania interactions. I hold a Doctor in Sciences (D.Sc.) degree from the Oswaldo Cruz Institute, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and completed my postdoctoral training at the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD. I initiated my research in the field of sand fly vectors by asking questions such as: Can we utilize molecules from the vector to prevent or halt parasite development? Can we find sand fly molecules that have a broad application and can be applied to various sand fly-Leishmania pairs? Can people/animals be protected against leishmaniasis by using sand fly molecules? The data we and others have generated to date suggest that sand fly-based approaches are feasible. In addition to my interest in sand fly biology, I have a keen interest in how vertebrates (including humans) may respond to sand fly bites, on land use and effects on disease expansion, biogeography, and vector-pathogen interaction in general. The recent discoveries made with regards to how vector-based molecules can affect pathogen development have significantly influenced the field of vector biology, and opened new avenues for some exciting discoveries. I am always in the mood to discuss such issues and if you have generic or specific questions on any of these topics drop me a line.