Mississippi State UniversityEXPERT PROFILE: Dr. Jerome GoddardExtension Professor, Entomology

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Expert available:Newswise — The Zika virus is a current news topic because of an association between pregnant women infected with the virus and risk of a birth defect called microcephaly in their newborns. The condition is occurring primarily in Brazil, but the rate of microcephaly has been growing in that area and is of significant concern. Dr. Jerome Goddard, a Mississippi State University Extension Professor of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, is available to speak about the mosquito, which carries Zika virus.

Background:Before joining MSU’s Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Dr. Goddard was formerly the State Medical Entomologist at the Mississippi Department of Health, and also held two appointments in the School of Medicine, The University of Mississippi Medical Center - Clinical Assistant Professor of Preventive Medicine and Assistant Professor of Medicine.

He received his bachelor's and master's degrees in biological science from the University of Mississippi in 1979 and 1981, and his Ph. D. degree in medical entomology from Mississippi State University in 1984. In December of 1985 he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and served as a medical entomologist in the Epidemiology Division of the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks AFB, Texas, for three and a half years.

Research interests:Dr. Goddard is an MSU entomologist who is known for research on a number of medically important arthropods, most notably ticks and the common bed bug. He is very interested in ecology and epidemiology of arthropod-borne diseases.

Broadcast note:The MSU TV Center has high definition television uplink capabilities, suitable for live and live to tape two way interviews or feeds. Contact the center at 662-325-1332 for more information.