Emerging infectious disease outbreaks are predominantly caused by zoonotic and vector-borne pathogens, necessitating an integrated understanding of human, animal, and environmental health. To prevent future pandemics we must better understand where these pathogens may emerge, how they are transmitted, and what healthcare systems and decision-makers can do to prepare. Thus, interdisciplinary and translational approaches are necessary, which is the inspiration for our group — the Translational Infectious Disease Eco-Epidemiology (TIDE) lab.

Our goal is to improve early detection and mitigation of globally emerging zoonotic and vector-borne disease outbreaks. We aim to translate field, laboratory, and clinical data into actionable tools for decision-makers. We approach our work through three key research themes: (1) understanding the ecology and epidemiology of zoonotic & vector-borne diseases, (2) translating scientific knowledge for decision-makers, using One Health & planetary health frameworks, and (3) improving health equity & security through access to diagnostics and countermeasures.

Our work takes place at the human-animal-environmental interface and aims to help local and international decision-makers, including clinicians and public health experts. Thus we are a highly interdisciplinary group, with backgrounds and interests spanning infectious disease ecology, epidemiology, modeling/data science, and clinical research. We also collaborate locally and internationally across disciplines.


Understanding eco-epidemiology & spillover

  • Identifying outbreak origins & spillover

  • Evaluating modes of transmission

Translating evidence for decision-makers

  • Developing risk maps of emerging viruses

  • Creating evidence-based One Health/planetary health tools

Improving access to diagnostics & countermeasures

  • Analysis of diagnostic networks

  • Building equitable local & global partnerships