Research summary
We study the transmission of infectious diseases with an ultimate goal of informing public health policy. Our research applies diverse computational methodologies, including tools from mathematical and statistical modeling, simulation, field epidemiology, and pathogen genomics. Our interest spans across multiple infectious diseases including neglected tropical diseases, vaccine-preventable infections, and COVID-19.
Our current research focuses on the following areas:
(1) Studying globally important tropical diseases, including schistosomiasis and typhoid fever
(2) Public health strategies to control the COVID-19 pandemic
(3) Vaccine-preventable infectious diseases in the United States
Policy impact
A large emphasis of our work is translating scientific evidence into public health policy. Our track record includes multiple studies that have changed policy in the fields of tropical diseases and COVID-19. We work closely with policy organizations like the World Health Organization and the California Department of Public Health.
Funding
We are fortunate to be supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health, California Department of Public Health, and other foundation sources. In 2022, our group was awarded a NIH/NIAID New Innovator (DP2) award.