227 - Developing Future Leaders: Mosquito Control Training Through the Collier Mosquito Control District and CDC Southeastern COE Internship Program

This presentation explores a collaborative initiative by the Collier Mosquito Control District and the CDC Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector-borne Disease in offering mosquito control internships to undergraduate and graduate students. Central to this initiative is the pivotal role that internships play in nurturing future talent in mosquito control. Focusing on pesticide resistance in mosquito disease vectors, the program provided hands-on research experiences and mentorship from experts in mosquito control. Through this partnership, students developed essential research skills, contributed to understanding pesticide resistance mechanisms in mosquitoes, and cultivated leadership in the realm of mosquito control and vector-borne disease management. This presentation underscores the two programs’ role in building a skilled workforce capable of addressing emerging challenges in public health and mosquito control.