Global Disease Biology

Dr. Joanna Chiu is a Professor and Chair in the Department of Entomology and Nematology. Her research integrates molecular biology, genomics, and biotechnology to understand and manipulate biological timing systems in animals, particularly insects.

How did you decide to study (Plant Pathology/Disease/Epidemiology)?

How did you decide to study Plant Pathology, Disease, and Epidemiology?

My primary interest is to understand molecular mechanisms regulating animal behavior and physiology. I fit well into the Department of Entomology and Nematology because I use insects as animal models. I also leverage my expertise in molecular biology and genomics to contribute to insect pest management. I decide to study animal behavior and physiology because I am curious as to why and how animals respond to changes in their environment in order to survive.

As GDB students, One Health is the cornerstone of our degree. The One Health approach recognizes the growing connection between the health of animals, people, plants, and the environment. The effects of one group can have major impacts on the health and wellbeing of the others, for better or for worse. When faced with a scenario concerning the health of any of these three groups, we must consider that they do not exist in isolation to understand the full context of the situation.

"Hi everyone! My name is J’adore Bailey, and I am a fourth-year Global Disease Biology (GDB) student at UC Davis from Los Angeles, CA. Since transferring to Davis last year, my journey in the GDB program has been driven by my passion for adopting a One Health perspective. To me, the GDB major means looking outside of the box for solutions to our problems and considering every factor, even those that may not be in plain sight.