Dr. Gaff earned her Ph.D. in Mathematics at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Dr. Gaff’s research interests have focused mainly on studying the dynamics and control of infectious diseases using mathematical modeling and computer simulation. Most of her research has focused on developing mathematical models for exploring the ecology of vector-borne diseases including Rift Valley fever and tick-borne diseases in the Hampton Roads area. Dr. Gaff currently also leads a field study designed to collect a long-term time series of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in the Hampton Roads area, Virginia. She has had funding for these and other projects from NIH, NSF, DHS, CDC and the VA.