SciCafe: Ticked Off

Wednesday, November 4, 2026

7 pm

Closeup view of a tick clinging to a leaf.
Erik Karits/Unsplash 

Wednesday, November 4, 2026

7 pm

Ashley Kennedy, a tick biologist at the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, has been fascinated by ticks since a childhood bite at age three led to Lyme disease. Today she runs Delaware’s state tick program, where her team conducts surveillance to determine which species are present, where they are found, and what pathogens they carry. 
 
Join us for an inside look at the science of ticks, and discover how they find their hosts and why their numbers are growing. Kennedy will also bust common tick myths, share practical tips for staying safe outdoors, and explain how we can all become better tick trackers. 
 
Whether you’re a hiker, a gardener, or simply curious, come away with a better understanding of one of nature’s most persistent survivors. 

Resources for SciCafe’s Frequent Geeks  

ASL interpretation is available for this program. Please email [email protected] to reserve seats in our ASL section.