Long-term Tick Surveillance in Western Massachusetts
The aim of our work this summer is to better understand the tick populations in areas where people in Western MA are spending time outdoors. The long-term tick surveillance locations have been identified using data from a spatial case-control study. We have identified tick risky areas in Western MA and now we are monitoring tick populations in those locations.
With support and guidance from Andrew Lover (Associate Professor of Epidemiology, SPHHS & Deputy Director, NEWVEC) and Johanna Ravenhurst (PhD candidate in Epidemiology, SPHHS), and direct supervision from Veronica Bobskill (Tick Surveillance Manager, NEWVEC) this position will entail:
- Following standardized protocols for tick collection and processing
- Accompanying the tick surveillance manager to field sites off-campus in wooded and grassy habitats
- Navigating obstacles while outdoors in varied natural settings
- Dragging a tick collection cloth while maintaining a consistent pace
- Identifying ticks to species and life stage after training
- Scanning documents, organizing files, and uploading field collected data into a central database
- Reading and interpreting scientific literature
- Collaborating with lab members and occasionally attending lab meetings
- Assisting with additional research tasks as appropriate based on level of experience
Compensation: This is an hourly position at $20 per hour. 10-15 hours/week based on project needs. Work schedule will be set in collaboration with the tick surveillance manager. Outdoor work is weather dependent.
Application Instructions: Please email a cover letter, resume, and your availability to alover@umass.edu, jravenhu@umass.edu, and vbobskill@umass.edu by Sunday, April 26th, 2026. We are accepting applications from both work-study and non-work-study applicants, please provide documentation if you have been awarded work-study status by the financial aid office. This position is for current students at UMass, so students who are graduating May 2026 are not eligible to apply.
NOTE: You must have a large block of availability on at least 2 weekdays every week to conduct sampling in the field. Please list your availability in your application.
This project is a great fit for someone who enjoys the outdoors and has interest in ecology, entomology, and/or public health.
It is great entry into field work, or will build upon existing fieldwork knowledge. Effort is made to ensure that regardless of a student's prior experience, they can come away with new skills acquired.