Science & Technology
The Lab of Gates Professor of Biological Sciences
Steve Williams Vital to Eradication of Lymphatic
Filariasis
A Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant will
support the research efforts of the Global Alliance
for the Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF),
a coalition of public and private sector partners
of which Smith is a member. Lymphatic Filariasis,
also known as Elephantitis, is caused by a parasitic
worm that resides in the lymphatic system of humans.
It is transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes.
 Grant
funds will allow national elimination programs,
already underway in 33 of the 80 endemic countries,
to begin in additional countries. Smith professor
Steve Williams and his lab have developed a DNA
based test that is used to screen mosquitoes for
the presence of the parasites that cause LF. Smith
has the only lab currently doing this test and therefore
plays an extremely important role in the entire
elimination effort. At this time, the screening
method is being used in large areas of the Dominican
Republic. During the coming year, studies will extend
to Nigeria and Sri Lanka.
The past decade has seen scientific advances so
dramatic that LF elimination has been transformed
from a distant dream to a feasible reality. Smith
is proud to play a key role in making this possible.
The Krusos Foundation Fosters Smith Collaboration
with The Nature Conservancy on Least Tern and
Piping Plover Project
Graduate student Jennifer Seavey is working with
professor Tom Litwin, director of the Clark Science
Center, to study the factors that determine abundance
and productivity of Piping Plovers on New York’s
barrier islands. Last summer, Seavey and her undergraduate
research assistant took aerial photos and collected
data on Long Island to create multi-layered GIS
(Geographic Information Systems) maps that reflect
multiple environmental factors. This study, taking
place over the next three years and funded by
a grant of $74,800 from The Krusos Foundation,
involves collaboration with The Nature Conservancy
and many local, state and federal agencies.
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