Matthew A. Combs

Postdoc

Matt is interested in the ecology and evolution of zoonotic diseases and their wildlife hosts with the aim to improve understanding and management of species that impact public health. Currently, Matt is researching the evolution of host specificity across Borellia strains to better understand the eco-epidemiology of strain diversity in natural populations and the immunological mechanisms underlying host infection. Matt received his PhD from Fordham University where he studied spatial population genetics and landscape ecology of urban rat populations. He sought to identify movement patterns of this anthrodependent species through complex urban landscapes to understand the influence of urbanization on wildlife and improve ecologically-integrated pest management strategies. Additionally, Matt pursues opportunities to incorporate art and science into outreach efforts and enjoys birding, hiking, photography, and trivia.