About

Research profile

Dr Tanya Russell is an Australian medical entomologist and ecologist co-leading the Mosquito-Borne Diseases Group at James Cook University. The aim of her research is to stop the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases globally, but with a particular focus on the Asia-Pacific. She has pioneered numerous large-scale field experiments across the Pacific, Asia and Africa demonstrating how the ecology of the mosquito vectors plays a significant role in disease transmission. Dr Russell’s research experience is extensive and ranges from field trials, experimental huts, semi-field systems and laboratory bioassays. She maintains an extensive network of national and international research collaborators, and engages at international conferences. Her research leadership has been recognised with an invitation to become a member of the World Health Organization Guidelines Development Group for vector control for malaria as well as the Malaria Elimination Advisory Group by the Ministry of Health Vanuatu. Dr Russell has 60+ publications, reviews for various international journals, acts as an Associate Editor for Malaria Journal and Current Research in Parasitology & Vector-Borne Diseases and supervises higher degree research students.

Find out more about our research group here: https://www.aithm.jcu.edu.au/research/research-projects-and-groups/mosquito-borne-diseases-group/

Find out more about the PacMOSSI consortium here: https://pacmossi.org/

Postgraduate opportunities

Potential Honours, MSc and PhD candidates from the Pacific or SE Asia are welcomed to join us. For possible scholarships and other funding opportunities (internal and external), see JCU’s scholarships database. Students interested in undertaking a PhD or Masters project should contact Tanya to discuss potential projects. Funding can be applied for through the Research Training Program (RTP), the James Cook University Postgraduate Research Scholarships, or an equivalent national or international scheme. Information and application forms can be obtained from the Graduate Research School. Closing Dates: 30th September of each year.

Teaching
  • TM5518: Medical Entomology (Level 5; CNS)
Interests
Research
  • The underlying broad-scale ecological process influencing malaria and dengue transmission
  • Support evidence-based control of malaria and dengue vectors
  • To improve vector surveillance systems in malaria endemic countries
Experience
  • 2011 to present - Principal Research Fellow, James Cook University (Cairns and Solomon Islands)
  • 2010 to 2011 - Senior Research Fellow, University of Queensland (Vanuatu and Solomon Islands)
  • 2009 - Research Fellow, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (Ifakara Health Institute, Tanzania)
  • 2007 to 2008 - Research Fellow, University of Durham (Ifakara Health Institute, Tanzania)
  • 2003 to 2006 - PhD Research Student, Queensland Institute of Medical Research (Brisbane)
Research Disciplines
Socio-Economic Objectives
Honours
Memberships
  • 2021 - present - Malaria Terminology Group, World Health Organization
  • 2021 - present - Associate Editor, Malaria Journal
  • 2020 - present - Malaria Elimination Advisory Group, Ministry of Health Vanuatu
  • 2020 - present - Guidelines Development Group for vector control for malaria, World Health Organization
  • 2020 - present - Associate Editor, Current Research in Parasitology & Vector-Borne Diseases
  • 2019 - present - Indo-Pacific Initiative Advisory Group, Innovative Vector Control Consortium
  • 2006 - present - Mosquito Control Association of Australia
  • 2016 to 2020 - Associate Editor, Parasites & Vectors
Other
  • 2020 - Contribution to the Manual on Practical Entomolgy, World Health Organization
  • 2020 - Lead author for Manual for Surveillance and Control of Aedes Vectors in the Pacific, The Pacific Community and World Health Organization
Publications

These are the most recent publications associated with this author. To see a detailed profile of all publications stored at JCU, visit ResearchOnline@JCU. Hover over Altmetrics badges to see social impact.

Journal Articles
More

ResearchOnline@JCU stores 75+ research outputs authored by Dr Tanya Russell from 2008 onwards.

Current Funding

Current and recent Research Funding to JCU is shown by funding source and project.

Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research - Livestock Systems

Establishing a network for surveillance of zoonotic malaria in Indonesia (ZOOMAL)

Indicative Funding
$517,020 over 6 years (administered by Menzies School of Health Research)
Summary
Aim: The overall aim of this project is to strengthen surveillance of zoonotic malaria in Indonesia, including evaluating the disease burden and associated agricultural land use changes associated with transmission, in order to inform public health control efforts. Objectives: 1. To strengthen national public health system surveillance detection and reporting methods; 2. To determine the distribution and burden of disease due to P. knowlesi and other macaque related Plasmodium species in Indonesia; 3. To evaluate agricultural, environmental, mosquito, macaque and human factors associated with zoonotic malaria transmission and land use change.
Investigators
Tom Burkot and Tanya Russell in collaboration with Matthew Grigg, Rintis Novivanti, Inke Lubis, Farah Coutrier, Nicholas Anstey and Bridget Barber (Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine, Menzies School of Health Research, Eijkman Institute and University of Sumatera Utara)
Keywords
Plasmodium knowlesi; Anopheles; Indonesia

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) - Pacific Infectious Disease Prevention (PIDP) Program

Building Capacity for Evidence Based Sustainable Vector Surveillance and Control in the Pacific.

Indicative Funding
$4,974,884 over 4 years
Summary
This proposal will build the capacity of country-led programs for Aedes and anopheline borne disease control across Pacific Island countries to implement sustainable best practice surveillance and response plans based on a foundation of improved capacity and community engagement.
Investigators
Tom Burkot, Tanya Russell, Stephan Karl, Kyran Staunton, Tessa Knox, Rabindra Abeyasinghe, Angela Merianos, Gregor Devine, Michael Nunan, Gerard Kelly, Lisa Natoli, Veronica Bell, Moses LAMAN, Adam Craig, Nigel Beebe and Leanne Robinson (Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine, College of Public Health, Medical & Vet Sciences, World Health Organisation (Switzerland), QIMR Berghofer, Beyond Essential Systems, Red Cross Australia, Institute of Medical Research (PNG), University of New South Wales, The University of Queensland and Burnet Institute)
Keywords
Dengue; Aedes; Capacity Building; Ministry of Health; Pacific region; Anopheles

Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre Limited - Research Seed Grants

Protecting north Queensland from Aedes albopictus, an exotic dengue vector, with Attractive Targeted Sugar Baits (ATSB)

Indicative Funding
$50,000 over 2 years
Summary
Aedes albopictus, a documented vector of dengue, Zika and chikungunya, is one of the fastest spreading invasive species worldwide, and was first detected in the Torres Strait in 2005. This pilot project will lay the foundation required to assess the feasibility of Attractive Targeted Sugar Baits (ATSB) to control Aedes albopictus. The overall objective is to determine the frequency that mosquitos? sugar feed, a parameter critical to the success of ATSBs. This pilot data will be leveraged for funding to trial the use of ATSBs to stop Ae. albopictus from reaching the mainland.
Investigators
Tanya Russell, Tom Burkot, Kyran Staunton, Scott Ritchie and Thomas Swan in collaboration with Mutizwa Muzari (Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine, College of Public Health and Medical & Vet Sciences)
Keywords
Aedes Albopictus; Attractive Toxic Sugar Bait; Torres Strait; Dengue

Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research - Research Grant

Establishing a network for surveillance of zoonotic malaria in Indonesia (ZOOMAL)

Indicative Funding
$517,020 over 3 years (administered by Menzies School of Health Research)
Summary
Aim: The overall aim of this project is to strengthen surveillance of zoonotic malaria in Indonesia, including evaluating the disease burden and associated agricultural land use changes associated with transmission, in order to inform public health control efforts. Objectives: 1. To strengthen national public health system surveillance detection and reporting methods; 2. To determine the distribution and burden of disease due to P. knowlesi and other macaque related Plasmodium species in Indonesia; 3. To evaluate agricultural, environmental, mosquito, macaque and human factors associated with zoonotic malaria transmission and land use change.
Investigators
Tom Burkot and Tanya Russell (Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine)
Keywords
Plasmodium knowlesi; Anopheles; Indonesia

Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation - Research Grant

Stopping the Asian Tiger Mosquito from reaching mainland Australia with sugar baits

Indicative Funding
$5,000 over 1 year
Summary
Aedes albopictus, a documented vector of dengue, Zika and chikungunya, is one of the fastest spreading invasive species worldwide, and was first detected in the Torres Strait in 2005. This pilot project will lay the foundation required to assess the feasibility of Attractive Targeted Sugar Baits (ATSB) to control Aedes albopictus. The overall objective is to determine the frequency that mosquitos? sugar feed, a parameter critical to the success of ATSBs. This pilot data will be leveraged for funding to trial the use of ATSBs to stop Ae. albopictus from reaching the mainland.
Investigators
Tanya Russell, Tom Burkot, Kyran Staunton and Thomas Swan (Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine)
Keywords
Aedes Albopictus; Attractive Toxic Sugar Bait; Torres Strait; Dengue
Supervision

Advisory Accreditation: I can be on your Advisory Panel as a Primary or Secondary Advisor.

These Higher Degree Research projects are either current or by students who have completed their studies within the past 5 years at JCU. Linked titles show theses available within ResearchOnline@JCU.

Current
  • Strengthening community empowerment approaches to Aedes species mosquito management in a high-income country setting: comparative case studies within Queensland, Australia. (PhD , Secondary Advisor)
  • Evaluating Zoonotic Malaria Transmission in North Sumatra, Indonesia (PhD , Secondary Advisor)
  • Adapt or perish: defining malaria vector behaviours in a changing world (PhD , Secondary Advisor)
Completed
Data

These are the most recent metadata records associated with this researcher. To see a detailed description of all dataset records, visit Research Data Australia.

Collaboration

The map shows research collaborations by institution from the past 7 years.
Note: Map points are indicative of the countries or states that institutions are associated with.

  • 5+ collaborations
  • 4 collaborations
  • 3 collaborations
  • 2 collaborations
  • 1 collaboration
  • Indicates the Tropics (Torrid Zone)

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    Similar to me

    1. Prof Tom Burkot
      Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine
    2. A/Prof Stephan Karl
      Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine
    3. Dr Kyran Staunton
      Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine
    4. Prof Scott Ritchie
      Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine
    5. Dr Melanie Koinari
      Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine