Overview

I am an infectious disease epidemiologist who has a long history of working with other disciplines to address complex public health issues primarily for vectorborne disease systems. I have been committed to interdisciplinary science since undergraduate school. I use epidemiological methods to bring together expertise in geography, anthropology, entomology, climatology, communication, data science, and spatial statistics to understand questions such as; 1) what role will climate change have in altering the dynamics of vectorborne diseases?, 2) how can we design our built environment to be resilient to these changes?, 3) how do we build early warning systems for decision-makers and the public to help them better prepare for emerging infectious disease and weather-borne health threats, 4) how can we empower and motivate communities to practice evidence-based prevention and control strategies, 5) and how to we address the equitable distribution of these prevention measures.

EDUCATION

1997    B.A., Chemistry and Interdisciplinary Science, Lawrence University

2001    M.P.H., Epidemiology and Women’s Health Interdisciplinary Concentration, University of Michigan

2006    Ph.D., Epidemiology, University of Michigan

POSITIONS

Since 2008, my primary position has been as a Professor of Epidemiology in the College of Public Health. I took on the role of Department Chair for Epidemiology and Biostatistics in 2023. My work is highly collaborative, and I am also affiliated with the following programs on campus:

2008-present   Affiliated Faculty, Arid Lands Studies, Graduate Interdisciplinary Program (http://gidp.arizona.edu/programs/aridlandsresourcesciences.php)

2012-present   Affiliated Faculty, Global Change, Graduate Interdisciplinary Program (http://gidp.arizona.edu/programs/globalchange.php)

2012-present   Affiliated Faculty, Entomology and Insect Science, Graduate Interdisciplinary Program (http://gidp.arizona.edu/programs/entomologyandinsectscience.php)

2013-present   Joint Faculty, School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences (http://acbs.cals.arizona.edu/)

2015-present   Joint Faculty, School of Geography and Development (http://geography.arizona.edu/)

TEACHING

My teaching portfolio at the University of Arizona primarily focuses on conveying concepts related to infectious disease epidemiology and global health and development. I have an interest in helping students think critically about the disease and health systems and the underlying determinants of disease; including social and environmental factors that influence the health of populations. I incorporate active learning principles into my courses and push students into higher level discussions of complex issues.

Formal Courses taught as of 2023

EPID 660 Infectious Disease Epidemiology

EPID 579 Applied Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Courses Previously Taught

EPID 453 Health Data Science Practice

EPID 606 Changing Global Health Policy through Cultural Understanding and Epidemiological Analysis

CPH 534 Infectious Disease and Development

CPH 796A Epidemiology Doctoral Seminar

SERVICE