ASU scientists and engineers will join those at the University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University in a series of projects designed to gather detailed data on Valley fever in the state. The infectious disease affects thousands of people in Arizona every year — about two thirds of all Valley fever infections in the United States. Fulton Schools Professor Matthew Fraser will join Pierre Herckes, a professor in ASU’s School of Molecular Sciences, to lead one of the new Valley Fever Collaborative’s projects. The work will involve collecting and analyzing dust particles and other kinds of particles in the air at locations near Valley fever hot spots. Fraser and Herckes’ goal will be to determine the physical and biological characteristics of the particles and understand the nature of airborne Valley fever transmission. The results of the effort should help determine effective ways for people to avoid exposure to the disease.