Author ORCID Identifier:
Date of Graduation
5-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Dynamics (PhD)
Degree Level
Graduate
Department
Environmental Dynamics
Advisor/Mentor
Peter, Brad
Committee Member
Dowling, Ashley
Second Committee Member
Haselow, Dirk
Third Committee Member
Forbes, Kristian
Fourth Committee Member
Nino, Michael
Fifth Committee Member
Feng, Song
Keywords
Arkansas; Climate change; Ecological niche; Spatiotemporal modeling; Ticks
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are a surging public health and veterinary concern in the United States. In states like Arkansas, climate change and shifting land use have recalibrated the ecological niches of vector species. This research utilizes species distribution and ecological niche modeling to assess the spatiotemporal suitability of ixodid tick habitats, specifically where environmental and socioeconomic factors intersect. By integrating spatial science with public health frameworks, this study identifies priority intervention areas in underserved rural regions where healthcare resources are often constrained. This study provides a comprehensive methodological framework, leveraging remote sensing datasets and historic disease data to delineate exposure hazards across Arkansas. Ultimately, this evidence-based framework offers a scalable model for policy development and community education, addressing the health burden of TBDs within the shifting ecological norms of the American South.
Citation
Williams, D. (2026). The Environment, Health, and Vector Nexus: Evaluating the Spatiotemporal Variability and Societal Impact of Ticks in Arkansas. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/6163
