The Center for Malaria Research (CMaR) is a collaborative effort spanning multiple colleges and campuses across Penn State at University Park and Hershey. CMaR leverages the strengths of community to elevate research and to forge new collaborations.
Our collective research interests include understanding:
- the effects of climate and climate change upon the transmission and development of the malaria parasite in the Anopheles mosquito.
- the modeling of infection/transmission dynamics in natural and laboratory settings.
- the possible effects of partially effective vaccines upon parasite virulence.
- the assessment of histone modifications.
- the control of by RNA-binding proteins upon transmission between the mosquito vector and mammalian host.
- the role of specific transcription factors in the regulated development of the parasite and commitment to sexual stage development.
- the immunological interactions between the host and pathogen.
- the control of parasite growth and development in mosquitoes through bacterial and fungal interventions.
- the role of external chemical stimuli to prompt vector/host interactions.
- the transmission dynamics across multiple seasons and the population genetics of the mosquito vectors.
- characterizing the metabolic network of malaria parasites and its dynamics
- the mechanisms of red blood cell invasion and resulting anemia to the host
General Events:
- Monthly CMaR meetings
- Collaborations with leader international experts to inform and carry out the next level of research. Collaboration visits include research seminars, round table discussions, and additional activities as available, providing expert access to the CMaR community.
- Research exchange providing a platform for 2-3 individuals per month to present their work to the Center, and to receive peer feedback and foster collaborations.