Medical entomologist Greg Lanzaro, director of the UC Mosquito Research Program, has been appointed director of the UC Davis Center for Vector-Borne Diseases. The center focuses on diseases, such as West Nile virus, viral encephalitis and Lyme disease, which are transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks, biting midges, fleas and lice. It is part of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, managed in collaboration with UC Davis' College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and School of Medicine. Lanzaro fills the post previously held by emeritus professor and medical entomologist John Edman, who retired in 2004.