UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Jason L. Rasgon, Dorothy Foehr Huck and J. Lloyd Huck Endowed Chair in Disease Epidemiology and Biotechnology at Penn State, has been named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
AAAS is one of the world’s largest general scientific societies and is the publisher of the Science family of journals. This year’s cohort includes 449 scientists, engineers and innovators across 24 disciplinary sections.
Rasgon was elected as a fellow for his distinguished contributions to the field of molecular entomology, particularly the development of in vivo germline genetic modification technologies and insights into disease control using bacteria called Wolbachia, according to AAAS.
“Dr. Jason Rasgon’s election as a fellow recognizes his sustained and influential contributions to molecular entomology and vector-borne disease research,” said Gary Felton, Ralph O. Mumma Professor of Entomology and head of the Department of Entomology. “His work developing innovative genetic modification technologies and Wolbachia-based approaches to disease control is advancing both fundamental understanding and practical strategies for reducing the global burden of mosquito-transmitted pathogens.”
Rasgon said he was humbled by the recognition and noted his thanks to his collaborators over the years.
“It is humbling to be elected into the 2025 class of AAAS Fellows alongside so many distinguished scholars and colleagues,” he said. “Ultimately, it is a testament to the many talented students, postdocs, researchers and collaborators that I have had the privilege of working closely with over the course of my career and would not have been possible without them.”
Rasgon’s lab integrates population biology, ecology, molecular tools and theory to address fundamental and applied questions related to vector arthropods and the pathogens they transmit, with emphasis on release of genetically-modified mosquitoes for disease control, pathogen transmission dynamics and bioterrorism issues.
Research accomplishments include a technology designed to improve CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in mosquitoes and other arthropods while eliminating the need for difficult microinjection of genetic material.
Other projects include the creation of methods to infect mosquitos with Wolbachia bacteria to reduce their ability to transmit diseases like Zika, dengue and chikungunya; the development of viral-based systems for gene expression and drive in Anopheles mosquitoes; and studies of the relationship between ecological factors and the success of transgenic mosquito releases.