Person

Rebecca Tiffany Trout Fryxell

Professor | Entomology and Plant Pathology

Specialization: Entomology & Vector Biology

Overview

I joined the Entomology and Plant Pathology Department in March 2012 as a Medical and Veterinary Entomologist. I have a broad background in medical and veterinary entomology with specific training in vector control, vector and pathogen surveillance, and vector ecology and genetics. My appointment is 90% research and 10% teaching; so I teach and study what I love: vector-biology and vector-borne diseases. I run my research program as a team, and the team’s mission: to improve human and animal health and welfare by minimizing the negative impacts of arthropods. Our research integrates vector management and control, describes vector life histories, delineates risk factors for pathogen and vectors, and characterizes vector populations using genetics (microbial, population, and landscape). Outcomes from the research program are the clarification of the role(s) of each arthropod in pathogen transmission and determination of underlining factors (from molecule to ecosystem) that contribute to the success of vectors.

I value and respect my diverse team members, and each has contributed significantly to the science and the program. The diversity of disciplines (e.g., entomology, animal science, biochemistry, pre-professional), experiences (e.g., high school, undergraduate, graduate, medical, veterinary medicine, etc.), and backgrounds (e.g., STEM-underrepresented groups) have helped make the research program successful. I also actively recruit people who want to work hard and make a positive impact on society. I am committed to strengthening diversity in science, and I am extremely proud of the students who contribute to the program.

Research Focus

My research focuses on Aedes mosquitoes transmitting La Crosse virus, identifying risk factors and high-risk areas. I also study pathogen transmission of ticks and veterinary flies. and the role in pathogen spread and animal production impact.

Outreach Focus

I am an advocate for research experiences for students and promote this by integrating my research and teaching programs. I encourage students to participate in research symposiums and participate in a number of STEM education events.

Teaching Focus

I aim to promote objectivity, creativity, and independence by engaging the students in discussion, encouraging creativity and hypothesis testing, and guiding them in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Research Questions
  • What changes occur when a vector and/or pathogen invades a new habitat?
  • What are the risk factors associated with vector life histories and the presence (or absence) of a pathogen?
  • What are the important variables associated with vector competence and vector-borne diseases?
  • How can we prevent vector encounters to prevent vector-borne diseases?
  • How do vectors adapt to new environments?
Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
AGNR 512 - Teaching Internship in Agriculture and Natural Resources
1 credit hour(s)

Supervised experience in teaching - test preparation and evaluation of agriculture students.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 2 hours for MS students and maximum 4 hours for PhD students.

Other Instructors: Essington, Michael E | Edwards, J. Lannett | Beever, Jon | Mathew, Daniel J | Zhao, Yang | Rius, Agustin G | Buckley, David S | Schrick, Neal | Duncan, Lori Allison | Chen, Ricky Xuqi

EPP 201 - Impact of Insects and Plant Diseases on Human Societies
3 credit hour(s)

Insects and plant diseases have had a significant influence on human history, culture, and lifestyles. The science of entomology and plant pathology helps humankind understand the impact of insects and plant pathogens on these dimensions of human existence. The development of strategies to capitalize on the beneficial aspects of these organisms will also be explored. Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (NS) Satisfies General Education Requirement through the 2021-2022 academic catalog: (NS)

EPP 425 - Medical and Veterinary Entomology
3 credit hour(s)

Identification, biology, and control of arthropods that are parasites of humans and animals. The course focuses on arthropods and their biology, life histories, habitats, hosts, and options for management. Review and discussion of sampling/monitoring methods and decision-making guidelines to managing vector-borne diseases is also addressed. Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (EI)
Contact Hour Distribution: 2 hours lecture and 1 lab.

EPP 499R - Undergraduate Research
1 - 3 credit hours

Experience in research projects under supervision of faculty. Student should make arrangements for research project with faculty instructor prior to enrollment.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 12 hours.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Picture of Rebecca Tiffany Trout Fryxell
431 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 E J Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Education and Training
  • Doctorate, Entomology, University Of Arkansas, 2010

Rebecca Tiffany Trout Fryxell

Professor | Entomology and Plant Pathology
Picture of Rebecca Tiffany Trout Fryxell image
431 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 E J Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Education and Training
  • Doctorate, Entomology, University Of Arkansas, 2010
Overview

I joined the Entomology and Plant Pathology Department in March 2012 as a Medical and Veterinary Entomologist. I have a broad background in medical and veterinary entomology with specific training in vector control, vector and pathogen surveillance, and vector ecology and genetics. My appointment is 90% research and 10% teaching; so I teach and study what I love: vector-biology and vector-borne diseases. I run my research program as a team, and the team’s mission: to improve human and animal health and welfare by minimizing the negative impacts of arthropods. Our research integrates vector management and control, describes vector life histories, delineates risk factors for pathogen and vectors, and characterizes vector populations using genetics (microbial, population, and landscape). Outcomes from the research program are the clarification of the role(s) of each arthropod in pathogen transmission and determination of underlining factors (from molecule to ecosystem) that contribute to the success of vectors.

I value and respect my diverse team members, and each has contributed significantly to the science and the program. The diversity of disciplines (e.g., entomology, animal science, biochemistry, pre-professional), experiences (e.g., high school, undergraduate, graduate, medical, veterinary medicine, etc.), and backgrounds (e.g., STEM-underrepresented groups) have helped make the research program successful. I also actively recruit people who want to work hard and make a positive impact on society. I am committed to strengthening diversity in science, and I am extremely proud of the students who contribute to the program.

Research Focus

My research focuses on Aedes mosquitoes transmitting La Crosse virus, identifying risk factors and high-risk areas. I also study pathogen transmission of ticks and veterinary flies. and the role in pathogen spread and animal production impact.

Outreach Focus

I am an advocate for research experiences for students and promote this by integrating my research and teaching programs. I encourage students to participate in research symposiums and participate in a number of STEM education events.

Teaching Focus

I aim to promote objectivity, creativity, and independence by engaging the students in discussion, encouraging creativity and hypothesis testing, and guiding them in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Research Questions
  • What changes occur when a vector and/or pathogen invades a new habitat?
  • What are the risk factors associated with vector life histories and the presence (or absence) of a pathogen?
  • What are the important variables associated with vector competence and vector-borne diseases?
  • How can we prevent vector encounters to prevent vector-borne diseases?
  • How do vectors adapt to new environments?
Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
AGNR 512 - Teaching Internship in Agriculture and Natural Resources
1 credit hour(s)

Supervised experience in teaching - test preparation and evaluation of agriculture students.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 2 hours for MS students and maximum 4 hours for PhD students.

Other Instructors: Essington, Michael E | Edwards, J. Lannett | Beever, Jon | Mathew, Daniel J | Zhao, Yang | Rius, Agustin G | Buckley, David S | Schrick, Neal | Duncan, Lori Allison | Chen, Ricky Xuqi

EPP 201 - Impact of Insects and Plant Diseases on Human Societies
3 credit hour(s)

Insects and plant diseases have had a significant influence on human history, culture, and lifestyles. The science of entomology and plant pathology helps humankind understand the impact of insects and plant pathogens on these dimensions of human existence. The development of strategies to capitalize on the beneficial aspects of these organisms will also be explored. Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (NS) Satisfies General Education Requirement through the 2021-2022 academic catalog: (NS)

EPP 425 - Medical and Veterinary Entomology
3 credit hour(s)

Identification, biology, and control of arthropods that are parasites of humans and animals. The course focuses on arthropods and their biology, life histories, habitats, hosts, and options for management. Review and discussion of sampling/monitoring methods and decision-making guidelines to managing vector-borne diseases is also addressed. Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (EI)
Contact Hour Distribution: 2 hours lecture and 1 lab.

EPP 499R - Undergraduate Research
1 - 3 credit hours

Experience in research projects under supervision of faculty. Student should make arrangements for research project with faculty instructor prior to enrollment.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 12 hours.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.