Risa Pesapane

Professor Risa Pesapane is involved in groundbreaking research on ecosystem and wildlife health, with a particular focus on vector-borne diseases and disease ecology. As an Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University School of Environment and Natural Resources (SENR), she is dedicated to advancing our understanding of how diseases affect wildlife populations and ecosystems. Her work is pivotal in addressing the challenges posed by emerging infectious diseases in wildlife, which have significant implications for biodiversity and human health. Dr. Pesapane's academic journey is marked by a strong foundation in ecology and wildlife science. She earned her PhD in Ecology with a designated emphasis in Vector-borne Disease from the University of California, Davis. This advanced training equipped her with the expertise to explore the complex interactions between pathogens, hosts, and the environment. Her research is characterized by a multidisciplinary approach, integrating field studies, laboratory experiments, and computational modeling to unravel the dynamics of disease transmission in wildlife populations. Before her doctoral studies, Dr. Pesapane completed her Master's degree in Wildlife Science at Virginia Tech, where she focused on Disease Ecology. Her academic achievements also include two undergraduate degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Science. These diverse educational experiences have provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the biological and ecological factors that influence disease processes in natural systems. In her current role, Dr. Pesapane is committed to mentoring the next generation of ecologists and wildlife health professionals. She actively engages with students and colleagues to foster a collaborative research environment that addresses pressing ecological and health-related challenges. Her work not only contributes to the scientific community but also informs conservation strategies and public health policies aimed at mitigating the impacts of vector-borne diseases on wildlife and human populations.