Diana Ortiz Matos

IEducation

Ph.D., Environmental Health/Vector-borne Diseases, University of South Carolina 
M.S., Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 
B.S., Biology, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico

Professional Training

Post-doctoral Fellow, Center for Biodefense and Tropical Diseases/Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX.

Areas of Expertise

Epidemiology
Vector Biology and Ecology
Environmental Health

Courses Taught

BIO 467 - Epidemiology
BIO 113, HON 204 - Biology of Infectious Diseases, Global and American Epidemics
BIO 201 - Foundations of Biology
BIO 101 - Concepts of Biology

Capstone Research Interests

My capstone research interests include the study of the epidemiology, biology, and ecology of vector-borne diseases, vector biology, and environmental health. Typically, my research involves both field and laboratory projects, which include the development and maintenance of mosquito colonies. Field studies with students have taken place in rural Pennsylvania as well as in the tropics of Costa Rica. Epidemiology research projects involves the use of historical death certificates. These projects are limited to students that have taken BIO 113, HON 204 (Global Health and Infectious Diseases) or BIO 467 (Epidemiology). 

I encourage Capstone and Independent Study students interested in working with me to schedule time to discuss specific project possibilities. 

Recent Publications

Ortiz DI. Teaching outside the textbook: integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into the science classroom using real-world experiences. American Association for the Advancement of Science, Improving Undergraduate STEM Education Initiative (AAAS-IUSE) Disruptor Blog (general topic: Envisioning Dimensions of Equity in an Academic Ecosystem.”). Peer reviewed. Published December 1, 2021. https://www.aaas-iuse.org/teaching-outside-the-textbook-integrating-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-into-the-science-classroom-using-real-world-experiences/

Ortiz DI, M Piche Ovares, LM Romero Vega, A Troyo. 2021. Impact of deforestation, urbanization, changing land use patterns, on the ecology of mosquito and tick-borne diseases in Central America (Review Article), Insects, Dec 23;13(1):20.

Gilkey PL, DI Ortiz, T. Kowalo, A Troyo, LK Sirot. 2021. Host-feeding patterns of the mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) assemblage at Lomas Barbudal Biological Reserve, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Journal of Medical Entomology. 2021 Nov 9;58(6):2058-2066.

Ortiz DI and TM Kowalo. 2020. Use of historical death certificates as a tool to study the changing dynamics of human populations. Teaching Issues and Experiments in Ecology. Volume 16, https://tiee.esa.org/vol/v16/experiments/ortiz/abstract.html

Personal

Languages: English, Spanish