Patrick Heffernan
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pmheffernan.bsky.social
Patrick Heffernan
@pmheffernan.bsky.social
Vector-borne disease ecologist | PhD Candidate at Notre Dame | NIH F31 Research Fellow |🦟|✍️|☕️
https://heffernanp.substack.com/
30 years ago today, the world of vector biology lost George B. Craig, Jr., a leading expert on Aedes mosquitoes. At Notre Dame, I’m lucky enough to work in his insectaries and care for his books. Here are some of my reflections on his legacy that I’ve had here.
open.substack.com/pub/hefferna...
From the library of George B. Craig, Jr.
Reflections from 30 years onward
open.substack.com
December 21, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Loved Eric Ochomo’s call to action during the George B. Craig memorial lecture! Fighting vector-borne disease requires united, integrated, and bold actions now more than ever.
November 15, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Had a blast presenting at and attending #PHAM2025!
October 9, 2025 at 3:58 PM
I’m incredibly grateful to be funded through the NIH. Because of their support, I’m able to conduct research that helps fight mosquito-borne disease. The NIH funds countless researchers dedicated to helping improve human lives, and I hope they continue to give us that opportunity
The White House budget proposal includes an $18B cut to NIH research funding in FY26. Explore the anticipated economic impacts in communities nationwide & click on any district to learn more and get a shareable scorecard.

New from our #SCIMaP team: scienceimpacts.org/fy26
SCIMaP - Impacts of Federal Cuts to Science and Medical Research
View Projected Impact of the FY2026 Budget Cuts to the NIH
scienceimpacts.org
August 16, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Had so much fun with @rohrecologylab.bsky.social at #ESA2025! Can’t wait to be back
August 15, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Just got to present @eselland.bsky.social and I’s
Schistosomiasis lab project at ESA!

While I primarily work with mosquitoes now, learning about Schistosomiasis in undergrad parasitology was what convinced me to become a disease ecologist. Such a cool full circle moment for me!
August 12, 2025 at 4:43 PM
While out walking, this pair of insects fell from the tree canopy and landed right in front of me!
August 5, 2025 at 1:58 PM
I’m normally an Aedes guy, but I had a blast learning how to do Anopheles midgut and salivary gland dissections today with members of the @aacostaserrano.bsky.social lab today! They’re the best!
August 1, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Took a brief break from honeymooning to identify hundreds of Aedes albopictus larvae in a standing water basin at Villa Monastero in Varenna, Italy. Remember to drain or dump standing water!
June 26, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Working on this project with @eselland.bsky.social and @rohrecologylab.bsky.social has been incredibly rewarding! Can’t wait to present on it further at ESA this fall 🐌
Thanks to everyone at @eeid2025.bsky.social for listening to me present our work yesterday on #schistosomiasis transmission across two ecological gradients! 🐌🪱 Excited to see how this project continues to take shape with @pmheffernan.bsky.social and the @rohrecologylab.bsky.social crew!
June 21, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Reposted by Patrick Heffernan
Thanks to everyone at @eeid2025.bsky.social for listening to me present our work yesterday on #schistosomiasis transmission across two ecological gradients! 🐌🪱 Excited to see how this project continues to take shape with @pmheffernan.bsky.social and the @rohrecologylab.bsky.social crew!
June 20, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Turtles are out and rhododendrons in full bloom. Finally beginning to feel like a lovely summer 🐢☀️😁
May 26, 2025 at 7:48 PM
What an amazing day discussing my field with legislators at the state capitol! I focused my presentation on how and why the thermal performance of vectors and pathogens should inform interventions and control strategies against mosquito-borne diseases across Indiana 🦟
March 3, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Loving these rainy days in the PNW 😄
January 5, 2025 at 5:58 PM
I really enjoyed Wendy S. Parker’s exploration of the adequacy-for-purpose view of assessing models. Determining if models are a solution in their problem space (target, user, methodology, circumstances, and purpose) is an excellent exercise for crafting holistic and purposeful science
Model Evaluation: An Adequacy-for-Purpose View | Philosophy of Science | Cambridge Core
Model Evaluation: An Adequacy-for-Purpose View - Volume 87 Issue 3
www.cambridge.org
December 17, 2024 at 5:00 PM