Zachary Stavrou-Dowd is a biochemist and entomologist focused on vector control. His research explores innovative approaches to insecticide resistance, gene drive technology, and mosquito metabolic pathways to improve vector control strategies. He is currently investigating bloodmeal metabolism as a target for mosquito control through gene drive in anopheles gambiae.

Zachary holds an MSc in Biology and Control of Parasites and Disease Vectors from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) and an MRes in Clinical Sciences (Clinical Infection and Global Health) from the University of Liverpool. These qualifications sparked his interest in parasitology and disease transmission, shaping his research into novel vector control methods.

Beyond research, Zachary mentors MRes and PhD students, guiding their projects and skill development. He contributes to public engagement through BugBitten – a parasites and vectors blog and serve on the Royal Entomological Society’s Science Policy and Society Committee, helping to connect research with policy.

Zachary’s work has been supported by multiple grants, including funding from the RoseTrees Trust and Santander Universities that has enabled his research into repurposing insecticidal compounds. As an Associate Fellow of Advance HE and a member of the British Society for Parasitology and the Royal Entomological Society, he is am committed to fostering collaboration and innovation in entomology and vector biology.

Zachary’s research focuses on developing new tools for vector control to combat mosquito-borne diseases. A key area is understanding the metabolism of bloodmeal in anopheles mosquitoes as a potential insecticide target, with the aim of creating control methods that bypass traditional resistance mechanisms.

He also works on gene drive research in anopheles gambiae, with the potential for mosquito control and malaria prevention. Additionally, Zachary conducts insecticide resistance testing using standardised assays and has previously investigated the impact of mosquito gut microflora on resistance development.

Another unique aspect of his research is maintaining rhodnius prolixus colonies, a key vector of chagas disease. Studying this species is helping to expand understanding of disease transmission beyond mosquitoes.

Through these projects, Zachary aims to contribute to sustainable, effective vector control strategies that can be implemented in disease-endemic regions. His work integrates molecular biology, biochemistry, and field-relevant applications to drive innovation in entomology and public health.

Zachary’s teaching focuses on vector biology and insecticide resistance. Previously he has mentored MRes students and PhD students, guiding them in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.

Zachary contributes to training future entomologists through practical instruction, including as an instructor on LSTM courses. He provides students with hands-on experience in mosquito rearing, insecticide resistance testing, and molecular techniques used in vector control research.

His teaching and mentorship emphasise laboratory and field-based approaches, equipping students with the necessary skills to conduct impactful research in medical entomology. He is dedicated to fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students, ensuring they are well-prepared for careers in vector biology and disease control.