The Vector Biology Research Unit focuses on the study of insect vectors, with an emphasis on their functional ecology and interactions with other organisms such as humans and plants. To this end, it uses tools from ecology, behavior (ethology), analytical chemistry, molecular biology, digital morphometry, geographic information systems, and niche modeling. These tools are used to investigate population relationships of species of interest; morphological variability of species in environmental gradients; secondary metabolites inherent to species and their processes, as well as environmental contaminants resulting from anthropogenic activities; behavioral responses to environmental stimuli and interactions; ecological functional niches; and pesticide resistance.