Thomas Verna Email & Phone Number

My role as Entomologist for Burlington County (NJ), Division of Mosquito Control, entails applying my knowledge of biology, ecology, taxonomy, bio-control, water management, pesticide application and their modes of action as it relates to the control of mosquitoes of both vector-borne diseases and nuisance populations.Tasks / Accomplishments-Direct the county vector-borne program, process all samples for testing, determine risk areas through modeling -Proficient in larval and adult mosquito identification and taxonomy-Generated species checklists of mosquitoes found in the county and determined their densities. This information was used in conjunction with knowledge of mosquito biology and modes of viral transmission to establish a County-based vector-borne surveillance program-Improved the treatment options of the mosquito control program via biometrics such as densities, seasonality, and long-term averages-Trained military health workers (Dix-McGuire-Lakehurst) for sustained, on-base vector surveillance and treatment -Collaborated with software companies in fabricating computer programs that record pesticide application data-Established ground adulticide program for Burlington County and direct all County-based ultra-low volume (ULV) applications with the ability to process, calculate, graph, and interpret ultra-low volume droplet data-Constructed and maintain colony of Culex pipiens f. molestus for outreach programs and studies-Direct and prioritize aerial larvicide applications, create area treatment lists for pilots based on larval surveillance data-Perform pesticide efficacy tests to determine effective time and rates of application-Use of various fish species as a biological larval control method-Wrote specifications and engineered to completion, 600 gallon, long-term stock holding tanks for larvivorous fish, while maintaining the health of the fish population-Consulting-First responder

Listed skills include Environmental Awareness, Entomology, Ecology, Biodiversity, and 13 others.