Evolutionary Adaptations and Mosquito-Borne Viruses

Dr. Russell Jurenka is a professor in the Department of Entomology at Iowa State University.

Dr Sassan Asgari is a Professor at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. He specialises in molecular entomology, focusing on host-pathogen interactions, insect virology, and RNA-mediated regulatory mechanisms. His research aims to understand how insects interact with viruses at the molecular level, especially through small RNA pathways such as microRNAs and RNA interference, and the roles of these pathways in antiviral responses. He also studies the influence of symbiotic microorganisms such as Wolbachia on viral replication and mosquito physiology. His expertise has earned him recognition through conference invitations and editorial roles, including serving as Editor-in-Chief of Insect Molecular Biology, Associate Editor (Insect Viruses) of Virus Genes, and a member of the editorial board of Virus Research and Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He is a fellow of the Royal Entomological Society and has authored or co-authored over 160 peer-reviewed journal articles and 14 book chapters.