Pathogens transmitted by arthropod vectors impact diverse hosts including humans, animals and plants. However, interactions between these fields have historically been limited. The Biology of Vector-borne Diseases course has sought to bridge these disciplines and explore the similarities and differences between these systems. This has been particularly important at the molecular, biochemical and cellular level, which have a combination of conserved and unique features between these systems, including pathogen invasion and transmission strategies, adaptations to the arthropod vector that facilitate transmission and the heterogeneity of these diverse host systems. We will look at how the BVBD course brings investigators and students interested in the sub-cellular systems of these disparate hosts together to share their knowledge and develop a common background for collaboration. This will include how the course instructors and participants have impacted our own research on the influence of cell signaling on mosquito life history traits and pathogen transmission. For example, differences in the persistence of pathogens between plant and human arthropod vectors have led us to consider the molecular mechanisms that may allow for pathogen survival in mosquitoes. Finally, we will consider how our own research has hopefully impacted course participants focused on non-human systems.