College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Entomology

Bio

Dr. Kelsey Adams incorporates molecular biology and genetic approaches into studying medical entomology. With a background in microbiology and immunology at McGill University, Kelsey’s interests lie in biological and ecological contributors to pathogen transmission by mosquitoes. Kelsey’s work to date has focused on insecticide resistance, mating biology and the microbe Wolbachia in malaria-transmitting mosquitoes. Kelsey was the recipient of a K99 Pathway to Independence Award and was also funded by the American Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene to conduct research in malaria-endemic regions. They joined MSU Entomology as an Assistant Professor in 2026 and are excited to build a collaborative research program.

Concentrations

• Mosquito-borne diseases
• Insect-microbe interactions
• Host-parasite interactions
• Malaria

Courses Taught

Research

Adams' research focuses on host-parasite interactions and the insect microbiome to better understand malaria transmission dynamics in Anopheles mosquitoes. They use a combination of genetic engineering, environmental manipulation and chemical interventions to investigate the biological factors that influence vectorial capacity. As part of their research program, they collaborate with partners in malaria-endemic regions to address questions at the intersection of molecular and field-based research.