VECTOR Library
Project History

The Vector-Borne Disease Team at Penn State Extension was established in 2019 by Dr. Erika Machtinger, associate professor of entomology in the College of Agricultural Sciences. Dr. Machtinger founded the team specifically to address the escalating threat of vector-borne diseases in Pennsylvania and the surrounding region.

This pioneering initiative has been recognized nationally as the first of its kind, highlighting Penn State's leadership in addressing vector-borne disease challenges through integrated education, research, and community outreach.

The team's initial approach included launching surveys to understand community needs, with the goal of delivering responsive programming to educate the public on vector-borne diseases, prevention methods, and personal protection strategies. This data-driven strategy allowed the team to develop resources that specifically addressed the knowledge gaps and concerns of Pennsylvania residents.

The team developed comprehensive educational resources and, in partnership with the Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases, hosted events like the "Vector Biology Boot Camp" to provide hands-on experience for vector-borne disease professionals. These programs covered field collection and identification of medically important ticks and mosquitoes in the Northeast.

The success and recognition of the Penn State Extension vector-borne disease team led to a significant expansion of its scope and impact. In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) named Penn State as the lead institution for one of five new Vector-Borne Disease Regional Training and Evaluation Centers, awarding $1.25 million in the first year, with a projected total of $6.25 million over five years. This funding established the VectorED Network.

The VectorED Network was established as a Vector-borne Disease (VBD) Training and Evaluation Center via a Cooperative Agreement with the CDC to build vector-borne disease prevention and control capacity through training, evaluation of programming, and creating partnerships with academic, federal, local, and state institutions in the Mid-Atlantic and Ohio River Valley.

As part of the VectorED Network's mission to serve as a comprehensive resource for vector-borne disease education, the team has developed and continues to expand the VECTOR Library. This centralized repository collects trusted resources from Cooperative Extension, Public Health, and Academic institutions, making essential information readily accessible to professionals and educators.

By consolidating these diverse resources in one searchable platform, the VECTOR Library helps overcome time limitations while ensuring access to accurate, current information about vector-borne disease prevention and control.