Conway Research

Research in the Conway Lab is focused on emerging infectious diseases such as mosquito-borne viruses and coronaviruses. Michael J. Conway, Ph.D.'s research on virus-vector-host interactions, which focuses on the relationship between the virus and the organisms (vectors) that carry it, revealed novel strategies to interfere with mosquito-borne virus transmission. These studies serve as a precursor to the development of “transmission-blocking” vaccines, which target the vector rather than the virus itself.

Conway also works with a large network of scientists to monitor SARS-CoV-2 trends in wastewater, and reports data to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, which is used to inform public health decisions. Additional studies are being performed to optimize extraction of microbial nucleic acids from complex solutions and to identify pathogens of concern in environmental samples.

• CMU Safety Training webpage.
• Student funding and resources.
• Institutional Biosafety Committee.
• Michigan COVID-19 Wastewater Testing Dashboard.