Student’s West Nile virus research takes top honors

Gregory M. Williams, a doctoral candidate in entomology at UD

1:57 p.m., June 29, 2004--There’s quite a buzz about Gregory M. Williams, a doctoral candidate in entomology at the University of Delaware. His preliminary research on the rate of infection of West Nile Virus in relation to areas with a large population of crows has earned him the Best Student Paper award from the American Mosquito Control Association.

Williams presented his dissertation topic, “Prevalence of West Nile Virus in Crow-Roosting Versus Non-Crow-Roosting Areas,” at the national conference. His audience was comprised of fellow university scientists, researchers from the Centers for Disease Control, state and federal public health agencies, the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, the Smithsonian Institution, the British Museum, and his advisor, Jack Gingrich, a UD scientist.

Williams describes his research over the past year as a “preliminary study” into a theory the entomological community has speculated about for several years—whether a high crow population helps spread the virus. However, since a comprehensive study had never been done to back up the theory, William’s work made a deep impression on judges. “The comments that I got from judges and other students was that this was research we needed,” he said.

The graduate student has great plans for his dissertation. “It could be used to help focus mosquito control in these areas,” he said, “and that would help curb the spread of West Nile Virus.” The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is reviewing his work in their planning strategies for mosquito control in the state.

The award came with a check for $1,000. Always the student, Williams plans to reinvest the money in his education.

For more information about the West Nile virus, visit [www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/].

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