In August, Blom earned his PhD with a dissertation titled Chasing Culex, centered on the Culex pipiens, commonly known as the garden-and-kitchen mosquito. His research spanned the Netherlands, where he collected thousands of these insects during both summer and winter seasons. The striking cover of his dissertation caught the attention of the nine-member Cover Prize jury, earning widespread admiration.
“A symmetrical cover that resembles an old-school tattoo or tarot card,” says student editor Ilja bouwknegt. “It’s visually stunning and instantly communicates the theme: mosquitoes and temperature.” This design, crafted by tattoo artist Renee Appelmans from Arnhem, perfectly captures the essence of Blom’s work.
The Artistry of the design
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Blom was adamant that a mosquito should dominate the cover and that Appelmans was the ideal artist for the task. “I’m a fan of her work,particularly her old-school style,” Blom explains. “Her tattoos, characterized by flat colors, bold lines, and minimal detail, have a timeless appeal.” The cover reflects this aesthetic, blending simplicity with striking visual impact.
Blom’s research delves into the ecological impact of climate change on mosquito populations and their potential to spread viruses. “My focus was on how land use affects mosquito density and how this correlates with climate,” he explains. This study forms part of a broader Dutch initiative to understand the health risks posed by mosquito-borne diseases.
symbolism in the Cover
Blom notes that the cover incorporates elements directly tied to his research. “A sun and an ice crystal symbolize summer and winter, while raindrops represent climate. The drops of blood hint at the blood found in mosquitoes and the animals they bite,” he elaborates. The mosquito depicted is unmistakably the Culex pipiens, recognizable to experts in the field.
It feels more like a work of art than a traditional dissertation cover
Alfred heikamp, designer of Resource
Alfred Heikamp, a jury member and designer of Resource, describes the cover as “exciting, elegant, and visually impressive. It’s a masterful translation of the theme into imagery, radiating menace and mystery. The blood drops are a subtle yet unforgettable detail.”
Anneke Groen, curator of special Collections, adds, “The cover has an art deco vibe that would seamlessly fit into our collections.” However, it won’t find its place there.Instead, it will adorn the Omnia promotion room, where manager Chris van Kreij plans to showcase posters of recent Cover Prize winners, replacing the portraits of professors.
Ten dissertations were nominated for the Cover Prize by the science editors of Resource (view the images and brief content here). Blom’s cover led the competition, followed by Taonga chirwa-Moonga’s Exploring Zambian Diets in second place and Bárbara Rocha Venancio Meyer-sand’s Timber Tales in third.
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How does Dr. Blom’s research on Culex pipiens contribute to our understanding of the relationship between climate change and mosquito behavior?
interview wiht Dr. Blom: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Garden-and-Kitchen Mosquito
By Archyde News Editor
Archyde: Dr. blom, congratulations on earning your PhD and the recognition your dissertation, Chasing culex, has received.Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your research on the Culex pipiens mosquito?
Dr. Blom: Thank you! The inspiration came from a combination of curiosity and necessity. The Culex pipiens, or garden-and-kitchen mosquito, is one of the most common mosquitoes in the Netherlands, yet there’s still so much we don’t know about it’s behavior, especially in relation to temperature changes. I wanted to explore how these mosquitoes adapt to different seasons and what that means for their role in ecosystems and potential disease transmission.
Archyde: Your research involved collecting thousands of mosquitoes across the Netherlands during both summer and winter. What were some of the most surprising findings from your study?
Dr. Blom: One of the most surprising findings was how resilient these mosquitoes are. Even in the colder winter months, we found that Culex pipiens populations remain active, albeit in reduced numbers. They seem to have developed remarkable strategies to survive in lower temperatures,which challenges the common perception that mosquitoes are only a warm-weather problem.
Another fascinating finding was the variation in their breeding habits. In urban areas, they tend to thrive in small, stagnant water sources like garden pots or even kitchen drains, which explains their nickname. This adaptability makes them a unique subject for studying urban ecology.
Archyde: The cover of your dissertation has garnered a lot of attention,with comparisons to old-school tattoos and tarot cards. Can you share the story behind its design?
Dr. Blom: Absolutely! The cover was designed by a talented tattoo artist, R. We wanted something that would visually capture the essence of the research—mosquitoes and temperature. The symmetrical design, with its intricate patterns, reflects the balance between the natural world and the scientific process. It’s almost like a visual metaphor for the interplay between the mosquito’s life cycle and environmental factors.
I’m thrilled that it resonated with the Cover Prize jury and others. It’s a reminder that science and art can come together to tell compelling stories.
Archyde: Your work has implications beyond academia.How do you hope your research will impact public health or environmental policies?
Dr. Blom: My hope is that this research will contribute to better mosquito control strategies, especially in urban areas. by understanding how Culex pipiens adapts to different temperatures and environments, we can develop more targeted and sustainable approaches to managing their populations.
Additionally, this research highlights the importance of monitoring mosquito behavior in the context of climate change. As temperatures rise, we may see shifts in their distribution and activity patterns, which could have implications for disease transmission. Policymakers and public health officials can use this information to prepare for potential challenges.
Archyde: What’s next for you, Dr. Blom? are there any new projects on the horizon?
Dr. Blom: I’m currently exploring opportunities to expand this research to other regions and mosquito species. I’m especially interested in studying how urbanization and climate change are influencing mosquito behavior on a global scale. There’s still so much to learn, and I’m excited to continue chasing Culex—and perhaps a few other species along the way!
archyde: Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Blom. We look forward to seeing where your research takes you next.
Dr. Blom: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.
End of Interview
This interview highlights Dr. Blom’s groundbreaking research on the culex pipiens mosquito, offering readers a glimpse into the scientific process and its real-world implications. The striking cover of his dissertation serves as a testament to the intersection of science and art, making his work both impactful and visually memorable.
