Lab news

Feathers and flu: new Wildlife Monographs paper

Our synthesis of avian influenza host dynamics is published in Wildlife Monographs, the flagship wildlife science journal, which publishes only a small number of book-length analyses each year. The paper describes how circulating HPAIV shows an expanded set of susceptible hosts (including many migratory wild birds) and higher transmission rates, and identifies where data gaps are limiting conservation response. Led with Jennifer Mullinax at the University of Maryland, with support from USGS and NSF.

Read the paper →

Coverage of the monograph

The paper was covered by URI’s Rhody Today, Phys.org, EurekAlert, and regional outlets. Johanna also spoke to what the findings mean for beachgoers, birders, and people who keep feeders.

Talking bird flu risk and prevention

Johanna spoke with URI about what the H5N1 outbreak means for wild birds, poultry, and people, plus what everyday precautions actually matter.

Read the interview →

The Harvey Lab opens at URI

Johanna joined the Department of Natural Resources Science in the College of the Environment and Life Sciences as Assistant Professor of Wildlife Disease Ecology, bringing a focus on immunology and the role of wildlife disease in bird population declines. The lab is recruiting.

Wrapping up at Maryland and USGS

After nearly three years as a jointly appointed postdoctoral researcher with the University of Maryland and the USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center (working on decision analysis and modeling for HPAI in North America), Johanna headed to Rhode Island. Collaborations with the DDAR group continue.