Improving Ecological Modeling and Forecasting of Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases in Wisconsin

Awarded in 2025

Updated Dec 1, 2025

At a Glance

The project, Improving Ecological Modeling and Forecasting of Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases in Wisconsin, led by Johnny Uelmen, PhD, aims to improve how Wisconsin predicts, prevents and responds to tick-borne diseases. By integrating climate and environmental data, drone imagery and community-submitted tick samples, the team will develop advanced models to forecast when and where tick risks are highest. The project also analyzes ticks collected statewide to identify the diseases they carry and partners with local health departments and the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Epidemiology Center to provide tick-prevention kits, educational materials and community surveys, with a focus on rural and tribal communities. The goal is to give residents timely, accessible information that empowers them to protect themselves and ultimately reduce tick-borne disease incidence across Wisconsin. Collaborators include Alexandra Linz, PhD, and Jennifer Meece, PhD, of the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute.

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