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Simrik Bhandari

simrikbhandari@ufl.edu

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Curriculum Vitae

Focus Area: Medical Geography in Global Health (MGGH)

Country of Origin: Nepal

Degree Program: Master of Science

Entered Program: Fall 2023

Expected Graduation: Spring 2025

Dissertation Topic: Spatial Patterns of Dengue Incidence in Nepal During Record Outbreaks in 2022 and 2023: Implications for Public Health Interventions

Research Statement: My research examines the spatial and temporal dynamics of dengue in Nepal during the 2022 and 2023 outbreaks, which affected all 77 districts. Using Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis, we identified shifting hotspots and cold spots with earlier and more prolonged peak periods in 2023. The spread of dengue into high-altitude regions and earlier, more prolonged peak periods suggest that ecological and climatic factors may no longer limit transmission, pointing to the need for targeted and timely public health responses.

Adviser: Dr. Sadie Ryan

Educational Background

  • B.S in Environmental Science, Kathmandu University, 2019

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