Notes from the Summit 10/19/2007 – Break out session “Goals”

 

Although we started by discussing a series of critical goals for the Center, ranging from increased public communication and teaching, to funding, the main Goal became crystallized in the need for CVB to become a Center of Excellence. The participants in the workshop all agreed that Rutgers is currently the authority on mosquito research and control in NJ but needs to become an internationally recognized center of excellence in Research and Teaching in topics broadly defined as Vector Biology and Control.

 

Once that broad goal was voiced, the previous discussion came into focus and five main avenues of advancement were delineated.

 

Increased communication. Maintain and improve upon the communication between the CVB and the entire community, especially Health and Agriculture State Departments and the Mosquito Control Commission, as well as local schools. Develop an Annual vector biology conference. Establish a lecture-series with critical, even controversial, speakers. Develop a newsletter highlighting highly current and relevant information. Develop high school curriculum tools such as videos, mosquito kits, etc. Be ready to respond to community in times of trouble with informed and to the point materials and assistance.

 

Increased funding. Increase representation at national and international organizations. Develop contacts with congress and house representatives state and national. Develop proactive programs by interacting with and hiring exceptional faculty and researchers. Develop a public relations campaign. Develop or help develop effective lobbying efforts. Hire a PhD who understands the needs of the counties to interface between RU/CVB, the counties, the public, and legislators. CVB Director should be involved/more involved in the NJ funding process, including recommendations, help in maintaining and sustaining funds and providing information (educational lobbying) to the state for continued support.

 

Develop international dimension. Start research programs abroad (Africa, Asia, South America), emphasize Rutgers strengths and experience in Mosquito control and prevention. Provide RU students with international opportunities and international students with the NJ experience in Integrated Pest Management.

 

Build upon and maintain an ongoing educational component. Provide seminal information to county mosquito control for updating their programs. Provide refresher courses at convenient times. Emphasize CEU and PAL credits to maintain professional licenses. Seek outside funding to offset costs to members of the NJ community. Train students to go out into the workforce with real world skills that can be applied directly upon hire (emphasis on the Masters of Public Health program).

 

Establish a measure of success. Publications, publications, publications. Happy stakeholders. Peer recognition. Establish a research/service advisory group/board.