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Dr. Philipp H. Boersch-Supan

Dr. Philipp H. Boersch-Supan Courtesy Research Assistant Professor pboesu@gmail.com @pboesu http://pboesu.github.io Google Scholar State or nation of origin: Massachusetts/Germany Areas of interest: Marine ecology & biogeography, Ecological modelling, Foraging and movement ecology Adviser: Dr. Sadie Ryan Educational Background: Vordiplom in Chemistry, University of Marburg, Germany M.Res. in Environmental Biology, University of St Andrews, UK Ph.D. […]

The Future of Zoonotic Risk Prediction

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B RYAN – The Future of Zoonotic Risk Prediction Colin J. Carlson, Maxwell J. Farrell, Zoe Grange, Barbara A. Han, Nardus Mollentze, Alexandra L. Phelan, Angela L. Rasmussen, Gregory F. Albery, Bernard Bett, David M. Brett-Major, Lily E. Cohen, Tad Dallas, Evan A. Eskew, Anna C. Fagre, Kristian M. Forbes, Rory Gibb, Sam Halabi, Charlotte C. Hammer, Rebecca Katz, Jason Kindrachuk, Renata L. Muylaert, Felicia B. Nutter, Joseph Ogola, Kevin J. Olival, Michelle […]

Examining Wing Length–Abundance Relationships and Pyrethroid Resistance Mutations among Aedes albopictus in a Rapidly Growing Urban Area with Implications for Mosquito Surveillance and Control

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health HAMERLINCK, MUNDIS, RYAN – Examining Wing Length–Abundance Relationships and Pyrethroid Resistance Mutations among Aedes albopictus in a Rapidly Growing Urban Area with Implications for Mosquito Surveillance and Control Stephanie J. Mundis, Gabriela Hamerlinck, Emily K. Stone, Ari Whiteman, Eric Delmelle, Tyler Rapp, Michael Dulin, and Sadie J. […]

Morgan Metrailer

morgan.metrailer@ufl.edu Emerging Pathogens Institute Curriculum Vitae Focus Area: Medical Geography in Global Health Country of Origin: USA Degree Program: PhD Entered Program: Fall 2023 Expected Graduation: Summer 2026 Dissertation Topic: Anthrax and Brucellosis in Vietnam Research Statement: I will be working on a large collaborative effort between SEER Lab, NIHE, and the Department of Animal Health (DAH) […]

New study to inform Zika control measures

GAINESVILLE, FL – Climate variation and seasonality affect transmission and control of Zika, a study by Dr. Calistus Ngonghala (UF Mathematics, Emerging Pathogens Institute), Dr. Sadie J. Ryan (UF Geography, Emerging Pathogens Institute), and colleagues at the University of Georgia, Stanford University, and Harvard University has found. By comparing experimental Zika transmission data to annual […]

Effects of changes in temperature on Zika dynamics and control

RYAN – Effects of changes in temperature on Zika dynamics and control Article first published online: 05 MAY 20212 Journal of the Royal Society Interface DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2021.0165 ABSTRACT: When a rare pathogen emerges to cause a pandemic, it is critical to understand its dynamics and the impact of mitigation measures. We use experimental data to […]

Aghane Antunes and Shreejana Bhattarai win O. Ruth McQuown Scholarship Award

GeoGator PhD students Aghane Antunes and Shreejana Bhattarai among the 2021 recipients of the O. Ruth McQuown Scholarship. The O. Ruth McQuown Scholarship Award has been established to aid scholars who best exemplify Dr. McQuown’s values, achievements and commitment to social issues (including addressing issues and fostering opportunities for women, racial minorities and those of […]

Mckenna Stidham wins Dunkle Award!

It gives us great pleasure to announce that the winner of the 2020-21 John R. and Fawn T. Dunkle Geography Award is Mckenna Stidham. The Dunkle award honors the long-time service and devotion of Professor John R. Dunkle to the Department of Geography at the University of Florida. We give this award of $1000 annually […]

Focus Area 2: Medical Geography in Global Health (MGGH)

Medical geography, an important area of health research, applies concepts, methods, and techniques from geography to investigate health-related topics across the world, focusing on spatial aspects of human and animal (livestock and wildlife) disease and health intervention. Sub-areas One Health Risk Mapping Disease Modeling Zoonotic Emergence Spatial Health Disparities Public Health Interventions Spatial Epidemiology Analysis […]

Latest SEER Lab publication evaluates Orbivirus exposure rates for non-native wildlife from free range preserves in North Florida

As part of SEER Lab‘s long-running collaboration with the Cervidae Health Research Initiative (CHeRI), this latest paper, lead by Jeremy Orange and Dr. Jason Blackburn, evaluated exposure rates to bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) in non-native wildlife managed on large preserves in Northern Florida. The wildlife/deer ranching industry represents one of […]

Scoping review of distribution models for selected Amblyomma ticks and rickettsial group pathogens

LIPPI, RYAN, WHITE – Scoping review of distribution models for selected Amblyomma ticks and rickettsial group pathogens Catherine A. Lippi, Holly D. Gaff, Alexis L. White, and Sadie J. Ryan Article first published online: 17 FEB 2021 PeerJ DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10596 ABSTRACT: The rising prevalence of tick-borne diseases in humans in recent decades has called attention to […]

Evidence of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus and Bluetongue Virus Exposure in Nonnative Ruminant Species in Northern Florida

BLACKBURN, DINH, ORANGE – Evidence of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus and Bluetongue Virus Exposure in Nonnative Ruminant Species in Northern Florida Jeremy P. Orange, Emily T.N. Dinh, Olivia Goodfriend, Scott B. Citino, Samantha M. Wisely, Jason K. Blackburn Article first published online: 12 JAN 2021 Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine DOI: 10.1638/2019-0174 ABSTRACT: Epizootic […]

Implications of Insecticide-Treated Mosquito Net Fishing in Lower Income Countries

RYAN – Implications of Insecticide-Treated Mosquito Net Fishing in Lower Income Countries David A. Larsen, Joseph Makaure, Sadie J. Ryan, Donald Stewart, Adrianne Traub, Rick Welsh, Deirdre H. Love, and Joseph H. Bisesi Jr Article first published online: 8 JAN 2021 Environmental Health Perspectives DOI: 10.1289/EHP7001 ABSTRACT: Introduction: Insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) are highly effective […]

Understanding the relationship between land use and land cover and malaria in Nepal

BHATTARAI – Understanding the relationship between land use and land cover and malaria in Nepal Shreejana Bhattarai, Korine N. Kolivras, Kabita Ghimire, Yang Shao Article first published online: 29 DEC 2020 Geospatial Health DOI: 10.4081/gh.2020.855 ABSTRACT: Malaria is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally. Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) change have been found to affect […]

Disease Hunters: Mosquito Mayhem

Florida and Texas have ideal conditions for tropical diseases, Medical Geographer Dr. Sadie Ryan (Florida Climate Institute, Emerging Pathogens Institute) recently told Channel News Asia’s Disease Hunters: Mosquito Mayhem. Learn more about the global effort to detect – and prevent – the spread of infectious diseases at Disease Hunters: Mosquito Mayhem.

Identification of antiviral antihistamines for COVID-19 repurposing

BLUHM, NORRIS – Identification of antiviral antihistamines for COVID-19 repurposing Leah R.Reznikova, Michael H.Norris, Rohit Vashisht, Andrew P. Bluhm, Danmeng Li, Yan-Shin J. Liaoa, Ashley Browne, Atul J.Butte, and David A.Ostrov Article first published online: 3 DEC 2020 Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.11.095 ABSTRACT: There is an urgent need to identify therapies that […]

Building resilience to mosquito-borne diseases in the Caribbean

RYAN – Building resilience to mosquito-borne diseases in the Caribbean Rachel Lowe, Sadie J. Ryan, Roché Mahon, Cedric J. Van Meerbeeck, Adrian R. Trotman, Laura-Lee G. Boodram, Mercy J. Borbor-Cordova, Anna M. Stewart-Ibarra Article first published online: 24 NOV 2020 PLOS Biology DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000791 ABSTRACT: Small island developing states in the Caribbean are among the […]

GEO3452/GEO6451 Introduction to Medical Geography

GEO3452/6451 Introduction to Medical Geography (Gen-Ed B) Course description: Medical geography deals with human-environment interactions and the influence of these interactions on public health. This course provides a broad-based, comprehensive survey of geographic topics and approaches in medical sciences. Hands-on experiences will be emphasized through GIS labs. Successful students will be able to: Apply geographic […]

GEO3452 Introduction to Medical Geography

GEO3452 Introduction to Medical Geography (Gen-Ed B) Course description: Medical geography deals with human-environment interactions and the influence of these interactions on public health. This course provides a broad-based, comprehensive survey of geographic topics and approaches in medical sciences. Hands-on experiences will be emphasized through GIS labs. Successful students will be able to: Apply geographic […]

IDS2935 The Next Pandemic

IDS2935 (sections 2BH1 & 2BHO) The Next Pandemic This course is a basic introduction to the most devastating disease outbreaks in human and animal history. We will explore the long-lasting social implications of disease and evaluate control methods. We will use the geographical spread of these historic pandemics to predict where the next pandemic will […]

GEO3454 Peoples and Plagues

GEO3454 Peoples and Plagues What makes a new disease emerge? What makes diseases re-emerge? How has this affected world history through the ages? Can we learn from past scourge and pestilence? This course is an introduction to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in the context of historic disease outbreaks, focusing on zoonotic origin and management. […]

Alumni Adventures: Dr. Abolfazl Mollalo

Dr. Abolfazl Mollalo – Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health, Baldwin Wallace University Who are you? I’m Abolfazl Mollalo. I noticed my first name is hard to pronounce in the US, so people simply call me Abe 🙂 I’m currently an assistant professor at the Department of Public Health at Baldwin Wallace University. The campus is […]

Meet the Geographer: Morgan Walker

Morgan Walker Pronouns: she/her or they/them Spatial Epidemiologist and GIS Lab Manager Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory (SEER Lab) University of Florida Adviser: Dr. Jason Blackburn Focus Area: Geospatial Analysis and Techniques Medical Geography in Global Health  Research Statement: I am broadly interested in disease ecology and spatial epidemiology. My research focuses on transmission […]

Animal carcasses may increase grazing potential and anthrax transmission risk for elk and bison, but differently

The latest publication led by SEER Lab #MedGeo M.S. Alum, and full-time Spatial Epidemiologist Morgan Walker is available in Royal Society Open Science. In this study, Walker and others examined how ungulates, primarily plains bison and elk, use animal carcasses on the Montana landscape. Working with SEER Lab partners at Turner Enteprises, Inc. (TEI) out […]

Ungulate use of locally infectious zones in a re-emerging anthrax risk area

BLACKBURN, RYAN, URIBASTERRA, WALKER – Ungulate use of locally infectious zones in a re-emerging anthrax risk area Morgan A. Walker, Maria Uribasterra, Valpa Asher, José Miguel Ponciano, Wayne M. Getz, Sadie J. Ryan, and Jason K. Blackburn Article first published online: 21 OCT 2020 Royal Society Open Access DOI: 10.1098/rsos.200246 ABSTRACT: Environmentally mediated indirect pathogen […]

Geography Colloquium: Spatial patterns in mosquito characteristics that mediate vector control effectiveness and disease risk in Florida

Speaker: Stephanie Mundis PhD Student, Department of Geography, University of Florida Thursday, October 22, 2020 2:50-3:50 PM (Period 8) Zoom, livestreamed on YouTube University of Florida All are welcome to attend. In recent years, deaths and illnesses from mosquito-borne and other vector-borne diseases have been on the rise in areas around the world. In my […]

Latest SEER Lab and QDEC Lab publication defines sex-specific anthrax risk for elk

SEER Lab and QDEC Lab‘s latest publication in the Journal of Wildlife Management examines resource selection and anthrax risk in female elk in southwestern Montana. This paper, led by SEER Lab and Geography #MedGeo alum Dr. Anni Yang, builds on previous work defining male elk resource selection in the same study area and compares females […]

The interplay of movement and spatiotemporal variation in transmission degrades pandemic control

GLASS – The interplay of movement and spatiotemporal variation in transmission degrades pandemic control Nicholas Kortessis, Margaret W. Simon, Michael Barfield, Gregory E. Glass, Burton H. Singer, and Robert D. Holt Article first published online: 5 OCT 2020 Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2018286117 ABSTRACT: Successful […]

Meet the Geographer: Dr. Gabriela Hamerlinck

Dr. Gaby Hamerlinck Pronouns: she/her Lecturer University of Florida Focus Areas: GeoSpatial Analysis & Techniques Medical Geography in Global Health (MGGH) Research Statement: Dr. Hamerlinck is a quantitative ecologist broadly interested in ecological modeling of host-parasite interactions. She has additional research interests and postdoc experience in quantitative biology education. At UF, Dr. Hamerlinck teaches many […]

Sex-Specific Elk Resource Selection during the Anthrax Risk Period

BLACKBURN, RYAN, YANG – Sex-Specific Elk Resource Selection during the Anthrax Risk Period Anni Yang, Kelly M. Proffitt, Valpa Asher, Sadie J. Ryan, Jason K. Blackburn Article first published online: 01 OCT 2020 The Journal of Wildlife Management DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21952 ABSTRACT: Anthrax, caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is a zoonosis affecting animals and […]

Meet the Geographer: Dr. Mike Norris

Dr. Mike Norris Pronouns: he/him Research Assistant Professor Associate Director, SEER Lab University of Florida Focus Areas: GeoSpatial Analysis & Techniques Medical Geography in Global Health (MGGH) Research Statement: I have studied Burkholderia mallei and Burkholderia pseudomallei (the etiological agents of glanders and melioidosis, respectively) for the past 12 years at the University of Hawai’i and […]

Climate change could shift disease burden from malaria to arboviruses in Africa

RYAN – Climate change could shift disease burden from malaria to arboviruses in Africa Erin A Mordecai, Sadie J Ryan, Jamie M Caldwell, Melisa M Shah, A Desiree LaBeaud Article first published online: 09 SEPT 2020 The Lancet Planetary Health DOI: 10.1016/S2542-5196(20)30178-9 SUMMARY Malaria is a long-standing public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, whereas arthropod-borne […]

Mapping Thermal Physiology of Vector-Borne Diseases in a Changing Climate: Shifts in Geographic and Demographic Risk of Suitability

RYAN – Mapping Thermal Physiology of Vector-Borne Diseases in a Changing Climate: Shifts in Geographic and Demographic Risk of Suitability Sadie J. Ryan Article first published online: 09 SEPT 2020 Current Environmental Health Reports (2020) DOI: 10.1007/s40572-020-00290-5 Purpose of Review To describe a collection of recent work published on thermal suitability for vector-borne diseases, in […]

Comparing prioritization strategies for delivering indoor residual spray (IRS) implementation, using a network approach

RYAN – Comparing prioritization strategies for delivering indoor residual spray (IRS) implementation, using a network approach AUTHOR LIST Article first published online: SEPT 2020 Malaria Journal DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03398-z Background Indoor residual spraying (IRS) is an effective method to control malaria-transmitting Anopheles mosquitoes and often complements insecticide-treated mosquito nets, the predominant malaria vector control intervention. With insufficient funds […]

Misconceptions About Weather and Seasonality Impact COVID-19 Response

GAINESVILLE, FL – Misconceptions about the way climate and weather impact exposure and transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, create false confidence and have adversely shaped risk perceptions, say a team including University of Florida researcher Dr. Sadie Ryan. “Future scientific work on this politically-fraught topic needs a more careful approach,” write the […]

Summarizing the Research and Knowledge Gaps for Mosquito-borne Arboviruses in Ecuador

GAINESVILLE, FL – Researchers and clinicians in Ecuador face a challenging environment: this biodiverse country is home to many disease hosts and vectors. Particularly, the mosquitoes in Ecuador carry and transmit arboviruses (arthropod-borne viruses). This group includes diseases like dengue, chikungunya, Mayaro virus, yellow fever, and Zika, among others. All are spread by overlapping mosquito species. […]

Misconceptions about weather and seasonality must not misguide COVID-19 response

RYAN – Misconceptions about weather and seasonality must not misguide COVID-19 response Colin J. Carlson, Ana C. R. Gomez, Shweta Bansal & Sadie J. Ryan Article first published online: 27 AUG 2020 Nature Communications ABSTRACT: Weather may marginally affect COVID-19 dynamics, but misconceptions about the way that climate and weather drive exposure and transmission have […]

Predicting the hotspots of age-adjusted mortality rates of lower respiratory infection across the continental United States: Integration of GIS, spatial statistics and machine learning algorithms

BHATTARAI, MOLLALO – Predicting the hotspots of age-adjusted mortality rates of lower respiratory infection across the continental United States: Integration of GIS, spatial statistics and machine learning algorithms Abolfazl Mollalo, Behrooz Vahedi, Shreejana Bhattarai, Laura C.Hopkins, Swagata Banik, Behzad Vahedi Article first published online: 22 AUG 2020 International Journal of Medical Informatics DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2020.104248 ABSTRACT: […]

Inferring transit-based health seeking patterns from smart card data – A case study in Beijing, China

MAO – Inferring transit-based health seeking patterns from smart card data – A case study in Beijing, China Fangye Du, Liang Mao, Jiaoe Wang, Haitao Jin Article first published online: 19 AUG 2020 Health & Place DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2020.102405 ABSTRACT: Massive electronic trip records have recently been utilized to infer people’s trips for healthcare. Many inferential methods […]

GEO3930 Global Pandemics

GEO3930 Special Topics: Global Pandemics This course is a basic introduction to the most devastating disease outbreaks in human and animal history. We will explore the long-lasting social implications of disease and evaluate control methods. We will use the geographical spread of these historic pandemics to predict where the next pandemic will strike. Course work […]

VectorByte: A Global Informatics Platform for studying the Ecology of Vector-Borne Diseases

A new 5-year NSF Division of Biological Infrastructure, awarded to Sadie J. Ryan (University of Florida), Leah R. Johnson (Virginia Tech), and Samuel Rund (University of Notre Dame), in collaboration with Samraat Pawar (Imperial College London), is launching in August 2020. This new initiative – VectorByte – will establish a global open access data platform […]

Age influences the thermal suitability of Plasmodium falciparum transmission in the Asian malaria vector Anopheles stephensi

RYAN – Age influences the thermal suitability of Plasmodium falciparum transmission in the Asian malaria vector Anopheles stephensi K. L. Miazgowicz, M. S. Shocket, S. J. Ryan, O. C. Villena, R. J. Hall, J. Owen, T. Adanlawo, K. Balaji, L. R. Johnson, E. A. Mordecai, and C. C. Murdock Article first published online: 22 JUL […]

Distribution of Serological Response to Burkholderia pseudomallei in Swine from Three Provinces of Vietnam

BLACKBURN, NORRIS – Distribution of Serological Response to Burkholderia pseudomallei in Swine from Three Provinces of Vietnam Michael H. Norris, Hang Thi Thu Tran, Morgan A. Walker, Andrew P. Bluhm, Diansy Zincke, Trinh Thanh Trung, Nga Vu Thi, Ngoc Pham Thi, Herbert P. Schweizer, Fred Unger, Jason K. Blackburn, and Nguyen Thi Thu Hang Article […]

Meet the Geographer: Cat Lippi

Cat Lippi Pronouns: she/her Quantitative Disease Ecology & Conservation Lab Emerging Pathogens Institute CDC Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases Graduate Representative 2019/2020 University of Florida Adviser: Dr. Sadie Ryan Focus Area: Medical Geography in Global Health (MGGH) Research Statement: I am broadly interested in vector-borne diseases, public health vector control, and investigating the […]

Meet the Geographer: Stephanie Mundis

  Stephanie Mundis Pronouns: she/her Quantitative Disease Ecology & Conservation Lab Emerging Pathogens Institute CDC Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases Graduate Representative 2019/2020 University of Florida Adviser: Dr. Sadie Ryan Focus Area: Medical Geography in Global Health (MGGH) Research Statement: My research interests are in the application of GIS to understand vector-borne […]

GEO3452-GEO6421 Introduction to Medical Geography

Course description: Medical geography deals with human-environment interactions and the influence of these interactions on public health. This course provides a broad-based, comprehensive survey of geographic topics and approaches in medical sciences. Hands-on experiences will be emphasized through GIS labs. Successful students will be able to: Apply geographic concepts and principles widely used in medical […]

IDS2935 Global Patterns of STIs

IDS2935 Global Patterns of STIs This class focuses on the geography of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which have discrete and interesting patterns. STIs are stigmatized and misunderstood by the public, and culture plays a major role in control, prevention, and transmission. We will examine different bacterial and viral STIs and their control and how culture […]

Meet the Geographer: Dr. Yujie Hu

Dr. Yujie Hu Pronouns: he/him University of Florida Focus Areas: GeoSpatial Analysis & Techniques Medical Geography in Global Health (MGGH) Research Statement: I am a geographer with research and teaching interests in urban transportation, human mobility, and accessibility. My current research focuses on three main areas: 1) relationships between people’s mobility within cities—including commuting, healthcare-seeking, and […]

Measuring dimensions of HIV-related stigma among college students

JAMES, RYAN – Measuring dimensions of HIV-related stigma among college students James, T. G., Gebru, N. M., Ryan, S. J., & Cheong, J. Article first published online: 25 JUN 2020 Stigma and Health DOI: 10.1037/sah0000266 ABSTRACT: HIV-related stigma remains a critical barrier to achieving national public health objectives including reducing HIV transmissions and retaining people living […]

MedGeo study on epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus seroprevalence in wild Florida deer

GAINESVILLE, FL – The latest #MedGeo paper from SEER Lab‘s Maria Uribasterra, Jeremy Orange, Dr. Emily Dinh, and  Dr. Jason Blackburn describes the seroprevalance of epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) in wild white-tailed deer from North Florida. This study was part of the larger Cervidae Health Research Initiative (CHeRI), directed by Dr. Samantha Wisely from […]

Emily Gordon receives CLAS Scholars Award!

Geogator undergrad researcher Emily Gordon has just been awarded a highly competitive CLAS Scholars Award to support her Medical Geography research. Gordon received her award for a project entitled “Agent based modeling of African Swine Fever Virus infection dynamics in a closed feral and domestic swine population”, which she will be conducting under the supervision […]

Featured Creatures Article on Asian bush mosquito Aedes japonicus japonicus

Medical Geography PhD student Cat Lippi led a new Featured Creatures article on the Asian bush mosquito Aedes japonicus japonicus, published online by UF Entomology and Nematology and FDACS/DPI. Aedes japonicus is an invasive, container-inhabiting mosquito that has expanded its geographic distribution in recent years, establishing in parts of Canada and throughout much of the […]

Safely studying the Coronavirus at UF

GAINESVILLE, FL – SEER Lab Medical Geographer Dr. Michael Norris has launched a new BSL3 lab specifically to study COVID-19 at the Emerging Pathogens Institute. When the pandemic initially broke out, Dr. Norris initially offered his time to help with the testing effort, but quickly realized that his skills could be better utilized elsewhere. He […]

Meet the Geographer: Dr. Alexis (Lexi) White

Dr. Lexi White Pronouns: she/her Quantitative Disease Ecology & Conservation Lab Emerging Pathogens Institute CDC Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases University of Florida Adviser: Dr. Sadie Ryan Focus Area: Medical Geography in Global Health (MGGH) Research Statement: I am a mathematical ecologist interested in the disease ecology dynamics between wildlife and humans. […]

Dr. Alexis (Lexi) White

Dr. Alexis (Lexi) White Postdoctoral Researcher Member, Quantitative Disease Ecology & Conservation Lab (QDEC Lab) Researcher, Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases Researcher, Emerging Pathogens Institute alexis.white@ufl.edu @lexiwhite27 Curriculum Vitae Linked In Google Scholar Impact Story Focus Area: Medical Geography in Global Health (MGGH) Research Statement: I am a mathematical ecologist interested in the disease ecology dynamics […]

Dr. Sadie Ryan Best of PLOS 2019!

Dr. Sadie Ryan‘s paper Global expansion and redistribution of Aedes-borne virus transmission risk with climate change in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, was included as the March entry for the Best of PLOS 2019 list. From the announcement: March: Climate change may mean more mosquito-borne diseases worldwide OK, this paper isn’t particularly calming–but it is timely and relevant. Researchers in PLOS […]

In a time of COVID-19, Dr. Ryan talked about deforestation and viral emergence with WLRN

WLRN spoke with Dr. Sadie Ryan, an associate professor of medical geography at the University of Florida. She talked about what we can learn from these studies now that we’re living in a pandemic in a story titled New Study Says Deforestation Could Help Viruses Jump From Animals To Humans, Amid COVID-19 Pandemic.

Exploring environmental coverages of species: a new variable contribution estimation methodology for rulesets from the genetic algorithm for rule-set prediction

BLACKBURN, YANG – Exploring environmental coverages of species: a new variable contribution estimation methodology for rulesets from the genetic algorithm for rule-set prediction Anni Yang, Juan Pablo Gomez, and Jason K. Blackburn Article first published online: 12 MAY 2020 PeerJ DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8968 ABSTRACT: Variable contribution estimation for, and determination of variable importance within, ecological niche […]

Latest SEER Lab publication introduces novel variable selection method for ecological niche modeling

Ecological niche models (ENMs) are widely used to predict the geographic distribution of species and are applied across taxa. Within the geography department, ENMs have been used to map hosts, vectors, and pathogens for MedGeo studies, species of conservation concern, and invasive species potential. Such models rely on relating non-random patterns of occurrences, locations where […]

Flying Under the Radar

GAINESVILLE, FL – University of Florida Associate Professor of Medical Geography Dr. Sadie Ryan (Emerging Pathogens Institute, Quantitative Disease Ecology & Conservation Lab) spoke with WUFT News about vector-borne disease in the time of coronavirus in Flying Under the Radar. “It’s not like mosquitoes went on hold because of COVID,” she said. “The message needs to stay alive.” […]

Spatial variation in the frequency of knockdown resistance genotypes in Florida Aedes aegypti populations

MUNDIS, RYAN – Spatial variation in the frequency of knockdown resistance genotypes in Florida Aedes aegypti populations Stephanie J. Mundis, Alden S. Estep, Christy M. Waits, & Sadie J. Ryan Article first published online: 11 MAY 2020 Parasites & Vectors DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04112-3 ABSTRACT: Background The development of insecticide resistance in disease-vectoring mosquito species can lead […]

Conservation in the maelstrom of COVID-19 – a call to action to solve the challenges, exploit opportunities and prepare for the next pandemic

RYAN – Conservation in the maelstrom of COVID-19 – a call to action to solve the challenges, exploit opportunities and prepare for the next pandemic K.L. Evans J.G. Ewen G. Guillera-Arroita J.A. Johnson V. Penteriani S.J. Ryan R. Sollmann I.J. Gordon Article first published online: 05 MAY 2020 Animal Conservation DOI: 10.1111/acv.12601 ABSTRACT: As we […]

New study shows how malaria risk will shift in Africa under climate change

GAINESVILLE, FL – In a new paper in Malaria Journal “Shifting transmission risk for malaria in Africa with climate change: a framework for planning and intervention”, part of a cross-journal collection on the Contribution of Climate Change to Spread of Infectious Disease, QDEC’s Sadie J. Ryan, along with Cat A. Lippi and collaborator Fernanda Zermoglio […]

Graduating Senior Sara Shir

Our Senior Profile for UF Geography today features GeoGator Sara Shir Future Plans: In the next year I am looking to find a GIS job before attending medical school. I plan to start medical school in Fall 2021. What is your favorite thing from your time at UF? Getting Krishna lunch with friends in the […]

Shifting transmission risk for malaria in Africa with climate change: a framework for planning and intervention

LIPPI, RYAN – Shifting transmission risk for malaria in Africa with climate change: a framework for planning and intervention Sadie J. Ryan, Catherine A. Lippi, & Fernanda Zermoglio Article first published online: 01 MAY 2020 Malaria Journal DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03224-6 ABSTRACT: Background Malaria continues to be a disease of massive burden in Africa, and the public […]

GEO3452 Introduction to Medical Geography Summer 2020

GEO3452 Introduction to Medical Geography (Gen-Ed B) Course description: Medical geography deals with human-environment interactions and the influence of these interactions on public health. This course provides a broad-based, comprehensive survey of geographic topics and approaches in medical sciences. Hands-on experiences will be emphasized through GIS labs. Successful students will be able to: Apply geographic […]

Featured Creatures Article on Bromeliad Mosquito Wyeomyia vanduzeei

Medical Geography PhD student Cat Lippi led a new Featured Creatures article on a bromeliad mosquito, Wyeomyia vanduzeei, published online by UF Entomology and Nematology and FDACS/DPI. Wyeomyia vanduzeei lays eggs and completes larval development in water held by bromeliad plants, making these mosquitoes more common in central and southern Florida where bromeliads are frequently […]

Sara Shir wins Dunkle Award!

It gives me great pleasure to announce that the 2019/20 winner of the John R. and Fawn T. Dunkle Geography Award is Sara Shir. The Dunkle award honors the long-time service and devotion of Professor John R. Dunkle to the Department of Geography at the University of Florida. We give this award of $1000 annually […]

Living la Vida T-LoCoH – site fidelity of Florida ranched and wild white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) during the epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) transmission period

BLACKBURN, DINH – Living la Vida T-LoCoH: site fidelity of Florida ranched and wild white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) during the epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) transmission period Emily T. N. Dinh, Allison Cauvin, Jeremy P. Orange, Rebecca M. Shuman, Samantha M. Wisely & Jason K. Blackburn Article first published online: 16 MAR 2020 Movement Ecology […]

Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus and Bluetongue Virus Seroprevalence in Wild White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Florida, USA

BLACKBURN, DINH, ORANGE, URIBASTERRA – Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus and Bluetongue Virus Seroprevalence in Wild White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Florida, USA Maria G. Uribasterra, Jeremy P. Orange, Emily T. N. Dinh, Clint Peters, Rebecca M. Peters, Olivia Goodfriend, Samantha M. Wisely, and Jason K. Blackburn Article first published online: 9 MAR 2020 Journal of […]

Automated delineation of cancer service areas in northeast region of the United States: A network optimization approach

HU – Automated delineation of cancer service areas in northeast region of the United States: A network optimization approach Fahui Wang, Changzhen Wang, Yujie Hu, Julie Weiss, Jennifer Alford-Teaster, and Tracy Onega Article first published online: 06 MAR 2020 Spatial and Spatio-temporal Epidemiology DOI: 10.1016/j.sste.2020.100338 ABSTRACT: Objective Derivation of service areas is an important methodology […]

Machine Learning Predictions of Dengue Patients Outcomes Yield Promising Results

GAINESVILLE, FL – Helping patients with dengue can be challenging – especially in countries with multiple diseases spread by mosquitoes. Dengue, chikungunya, and Zika are viruses spread by the same type of mosquito; all three viruses are present in Ecuador and many other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Patients infected with one of […]

Novel Network Approach to Mosquito Control Distribution Yields Insights for a City in Southern Ecuador

GAINESVILLE, FL – Fighting mosquito-borne disease can be costly – in both health and financial resources. While mosquito control is an effective way to combat the spread of diseases like dengue fever, the cost of spraying every house in a city quickly adds up. These costs limit public health vector control programs, which often operate […]

Severity Index for Suspected Arbovirus (SISA): Machine learning for accurate prediction of hospitalization in subjects suspected of arboviral infection

SIPPY, RYAN – Severity Index for Suspected Arbovirus (SISA): Machine learning for accurate prediction of hospitalization in subjects suspected of arboviral infection Rachel Sippy, Daniel F. Farrell, Daniel A. Lichtenstein, Ryan Nightingale, Megan A. Harris, Joseph Toth, Paris Hantztidiamantis, Nicholas Usher, Cinthya Cueva Aponte, Julio Barzallo Aguilar, Anthony Puthumana, Christina D. Lupone, Timothy Endy, Sadie […]

A network analysis framework to improve the delivery of mosquito abatement services in Machala, Ecuador

BLACKBURN, LIPPI, MAO, RYAN – A network analysis framework to improve the delivery of mosquito abatement services in Machala, Ecuador Catherine A. Lippi, Liang Mao, Anna M. Stewart-Ibarra, Naveed Heydari, Efraín Beltrán Ayala, Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena, Jason K. Blackburn & Sadie J. Ryan Article first published online: 11 FEB 2020 International Journal of Health Geographics […]

MedGeo Brief – Coronavirus

Yesterday, SEER Lab and QDEC Lab held an impromptu meeting in the GIS Teaching Lab (Turlington Hall 3006) to listen to David Quammen discuss the 2019-nCoV coronavirus emerging out of China on Fresh Air on NPR. David Quammen is a long-time science writer and the author of the 2012 non-fiction “Spillover”, which journals the pursuit […]

Shifting Risks Of Malaria In Southern Africa – A Regional Analysis

RYAN – SHIFTING RISKS OF MALARIA IN SOUTHERN AFRICA – A REGIONAL ANALYSIS Sadie Ryan, Anna Steynor, Chris Jack, Piotr Wolski, Lisa van Aardenne, Chris Lennard, and Fernanda Zermoglio Article first published online: 1 FEB 2020 USAID Technical Report EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Temperature impacts both the life cycle and habitat of malaria-carrying mosquitoes (genus Anopheles) and […]

Briefing Note: Shifting Burdens: Malaria Risk under Rising Temperatures in Botswana

RYAN – Briefing Note: Shifting Burdens: Malaria Risk under Rising Temperatures in Botswana Sadie Ryan and Fernanda Zermoglio Article first published online: 1 FEB 2020 USAID Briefing Note INTRODUCTION This briefing note provides health practitioners and development planners with information on the shifting pattern of malaria incidence nationally and regionally in Botswana as temperatures rise. The […]

Geography Colloquium: Decisions will be made – modeling vector borne disease at multiple scales for different purposes and use

Speaker: Dr. Sadie Ryan Associate Professor, Department of Geography, University of Florida Thursday, January 16, 2020 2:50-3:50 PM (Period 8) Turlington Hall Room 3018 University of Florida All are welcome to attend. Forecasting the impacts of climate change on vector-borne diseases (VBDs)—especially those under current public scrutiny and concern, such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and […]

Announcing The Navi-Gator, Issue 3!

University of Florida Department of Geography The Navi-Gator January 2020, ISSUE 3 (Download PDF) Evening of excellence John & Fawn Dunkle Award for Graduate Student Travel: Ryan Good & Guoqian Yan David L. Niddrie Excellence Fund: Tierney Shimansky & Shreejana Bhattarai Little Family Student Fellowship Award: Caroline Parks Ryan Poehling Award for Top Graduate Student: […]

Impact of Coastal Hazards on Residents’ Spatial Accessibility to Health Services

HU – Impact of Coastal Hazards on Residents’ Spatial Accessibility to Health Services Georgios P. Balomenos, Yujie Hu, Jamie E. Padgett, and Kyle Shelton Article first published online: 1 DEC 2019 Journal of Infrastructure Systems DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)IS.1943-555X.0000509 ABSTRACT: The mobility of residents and their access to essential services can be highly affected by transportation network […]

A Survey of Tick-Borne Bacterial Pathogens in Florida

GANSER, GLASS, KESSLER – A Survey of Tick-Borne Bacterial Pathogens in Florida Carrie E. De Jesus, Claudia Ganser, William H. Kessler, Zoe S. White, Chanakya R. Bhosale, Gregory E. Glass, and Samantha M. Wisely Article first published online: 13 SEPT 2019 Insects DOI: 10.3390/insects10090297 ABSTRACT: Within the past three decades, new bacterial etiological agents of […]

Plague in a Changing Environment: A Literature Review for Madagascar

RYAN – Plague in a Changing Environment: A Literature Review for Madagascar Sadie Ryan and Fernanda Zermoglio Article first published online: 1 SEP 2019 USAID Technical Report EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This review identifies environmental factors that contribute to the emergence of plague and plague dynamics in Madagascar and aims to identify the potential implications for decisionmaking and […]

Insecticide Resistance Threatens the Control of Mosquito-Borne Disease in Ecuador

GAINESVILLE – In the battle against vector borne disease, mosquito control using insecticides is an essential tool. But what happens when that tool starts to fail, and how do you know it? Insecticides are regularly used by public health agencies to reduce populations of blood-sucking mosquitoes. Effective control programs are important to public health because, […]

Seasonal and geographic variation in insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti in southern Ecuador

LIPPI, MUNDIS, RYAN, SIPPY – Seasonal and geographic variation in insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti in southern Ecuador Sadie J. Ryan, Stephanie J. Mundis, Alex Aguirre, Catherine A. Lippi, Efraín Beltrán, Froilán Heras, Valeria Sanchez, Mercy J. Borbor-Cordova, Rachel Sippy, Anna M. Stewart-Ibarra , Marco Neira Article first published online: 10 JUN 2019 PLoS Neglected […]

New maps show where mosquitoes will invade Ecuador’s Andes mountains

GAINESVILLE – Blood sucking insects such as the Yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, are more than just a nuisance in Ecuador, they also spread diseases such as dengue fever, chikungunya and Zika. A warming world means that public health officials must decide where to direct surveillance and mosquito control efforts not only today, but also […]

Social-Ecological Factors Drive Dengue and Mosquito Presence in the Galapagos

GAINESVILLE, FL – With its turquoise waters and abundant wildlife, Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands have long been a vacation dream of many. Tourist guides highlight playful sea lions and giant tortoises, but they do not talk about the mosquitoes. For the more than 30,000 people who live there, emerging epidemics of mosquito-borne disease such as dengue, […]

Dr. Rachel Sippy

Dr. Rachel Sippy Postdoctoral Researcher rsippy@ufl.edu @GermCurves https://sippy.pophealth.wisc.edu/ Google Scholar (319) 551-1000 Curriculum Vita Focus Areas: GeoSpatial Analysis & Techniques Medical Geography in Global Health (MGGH) Research Statement: I am interested in epidemiology and disease seasonality in a causal framework as well as predictions of disease outcomes or epidemics. I primarily focus on vectorborne illness […]

Emily Stone receives Emerging Scholars Award from the UF Center for Undergraduate Research

Congratulations to Emily Stone, recipient of an Emerging Scholars Award from the University of Florida’s Center for Undergraduate Research! The Emerging Scholars program supports early undergraduate students who are interested in adding a research experience to their curriculum. The award provides two semesters of support to work on a research project with a UF faculty […]

Dr. Michael Norris

Dr. Michael Norris Assistant Research Professor Principal Investigator, Emerging Pathogens Institute Co-Director, Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory (SEER Lab) mhnorris@ufl.edu (352) 273-8445  Focus Area Focus Area 2: Medical Geography in Global Health (MGGH) Focus Area 5: Catastrophes, Conservation, and Conflict Research Statement: I have studied Burkholderia mallei and Burkholderia pseudomallei (the etiological agents of […]

Geography Colloquium: From the Landscape to the Lab – Experimentation in Medical Geography

From the Landscape to the Lab – Experimentation in Medical Geography Speaker: Dr. Michael Norris Research Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, University of Florida Thursday, February 28, 2019 2:50-3:50 PM (Period 8) Turlington Hall Room 3012 University of Florida All are welcome to attend.

Geography Colloquium: Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Transmission Risk in North Florida Ranched and Wild White-Tailed Deer

Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Transmission Risk in North Florida Ranched and Wild White-Tailed Deer Speaker: Ms. Emily Dinh PhD Candidate, Department of Geography, University of Florida Thursday, February 21, 2019 2:50-3:50 PM (Period 8) Turlington Hall Room 3012 University of Florida All are welcome to attend.

Geography Colloquium: GIS-Based Data-Driven Techniques for Spatial Analysis of Infectious Diseases at the State, Regional, and National Levels

GIS-Based Data-Driven Techniques for Spatial Analysis of Infectious Diseases at the State, Regional, and National Levels Speaker: Mr. Abolfazl Mollalo PhD Candidate, Department of Geography, University of Florida Thursday, February 14, 2018 2:50-3:50 PM (Period 8) Turlington Hall Room 3012 University of Florida All are welcome to attend.

Geography Colloquium: Multi-scale Modeling for Infectious Disease Transmissions – Exploring two Indirectly Transmitted Pathogens in Southwestern Montana

Multi-scale Modeling for Infectious Disease Transmissions – Exploring two Indirectly Transmitted Pathogens in Southwestern Montana Speaker: Ms Anni Yang PhD Candidate, Department of Geography, University of Florida Thursday, February 7, 2019 2:50-3:50 PM (Period 8) Turlington Hall Room 3012 University of Florida All are welcome to attend.

Geography Grad student receives best PhD paper at the 2018 SEDAAG annual meeting!

Second-year PhD student Stephanie Mundis of the Quantitative Disease Ecology & Conservation Lab, advised by Dr. Sadie Ryan, was recognized for her paper and presentation at the 2018 SouthEastern Division of the American Association of Geographers. Her presentation, “Spatial analysis of pyrethroid resistance genotypes in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Florida,” focused on spatial patterns in […]

Fourth National Climate Assessment (NCA)

GLASS, MULLENS – Fourth National Climate Assessment (NCA) Article first published online: NOV 2018 Fourth National Climate Assessment (NCA) ABSTRACT: These Summary Findings represent a high-level synthesis of the material in the underlying report. The findings consolidate Key Messages and supporting evidence from 16 national-level topic chapters, 10 regional chapters, and 2 chapters that focus […]

Temperature explains broad patterns of Ross River virus transmission

RYAN – Temperature explains broad patterns of Ross River virus transmission Marta Strecker Shocket, Sadie J Ryan, Erin A Mordecai Article first published online: 28 AUG 2018 eLife DOI: 10.7554/eLife.37762.001 ABSTRACT: Thermal biology predicts that vector-borne disease transmission peaks at intermediate temperatures and declines at high and low temperatures. However, thermal optima and limits remain […]

Temperature model predicts regional and seasonal virus transmission by mosquitoes

GAINESVILLE, FL – New model that accurately predicts patterns of mosquito-borne Ross River virus epidemics could help prepare for the impact of climate change. Scientists have built a model that predicts how temperature affects the spread of Ross River virus, a common mosquito-borne virus in Australia, according to a report in the journal eLife. The […]

Conservation Conundrum and Amphibian Disease

GAINESVILLE, FL – Amidst global amphibian population collapses, ranavirus causes up to 90% mortality in amphibians, undermining conservation efforts and wetland. restoration projects. In a recent study University of Florida Medical Geography researchers identified important variables to measure in assessments of ranaviral infection risk in newly constructed ponds which are important components of wetland restoration. […]

Temperature drives Zika virus transmission: evidence from empirical and mathematical models

RYAN – Temperature drives Zika virus transmission: evidence from empirical and mathematical models Blanka Tesla, Leah R. Demakovsky, Erin A. Mordecai, Sadie J. Ryan, Matthew H. Bonds, Calistus N. Ngonghala, Melinda A. Brindley, Courtney C. Murdock Article first published online: 15 AUG 2018 Proceedings of the Royal Society B DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.0795 ABSTRACT: Temperature is a […]

UF Researchers Refine Zika Transmission Models

GAINESVILLE, FL – A University of Florida Medical Geography researcher recently participated in a study that found that current estimates of Zika virus transmission vastly over predict its possible range. Temperature is a major driver of vector-borne disease transmission, but current transmission models rely on untested assumptions about life history of Zika infected Aedes aegypti […]

Environmental Drivers of Ranavirus in Free-Living Amphibians in Constructed Ponds

RYAN, BOERSCH-SUPAN – Environmental Drivers of Ranavirus in Free-Living Amphibians in Constructed Ponds Tess E. Youker-Smith, Philipp H. Boersch-Supan, Christopher M. Whipps, Sadie J. Ryan Article first published online: 09 AUG 2018 EcoHealth DOI: 10.1007/s10393-018-1350-5 ABSTRACT: Amphibian ranaviruses occur globally, but we are only beginning to understand mechanisms for emergence. Ranaviruses are aquatic pathogens which […]

Nonlinear and delayed impacts of climate on dengue risk in Barbados: A modelling study

LIPPI, RYAN – Nonlinear and delayed impacts of climate on dengue risk in Barbados: A modelling study Rachel Lowe, Antonio Gasparrini, Cédric J. Van Meerbeeck, Catherine A. Lippi, Roché Mahon, Adrian R. Trotman, Leslie Rollock, Avery Q. J. Hinds, Sadie J. Ryan, Anna M. Stewart-Ibarra Article first published online: 17 JUL 2018 PLOS Medicine DOI: […]

UF Researchers Make New Strides in Predicting Dengue Fever Outbreaks

GAINESVILLE, FL – Medical Geography researchers from the University of Florida recently participated in a study that successfully predicted dengue fever outbreaks on the Caribbean island of Barbados, using climate data. This paper is part of a special issue of PLOS MEDICINE, focusing on the impacts of climate change on health, and is a result […]

Geography Colloquium: Mapping Challenges, Genetic Mutations, & Complicated Diagnostics of Anthrax Across West Africa

Mapping Challenges, Genetic Mutations, & Complicated Diagnostics of Anthrax Across West Africa Speaker: Dr. Jason Blackburn Associate Professor, Department of Geography, University of Florida Thursday, October 26, 2017 3:00-3:50 PM (Period 8) Turlington Hall Room 3012 University of Florida All are welcome to attend. Jason Blackburn is Associate Professor of Geography and the Director of […]

Dr. Stephanie Mundis

s.mundis@ufl.edu Member, Quantitative Disease Ecology & Conservation Lab (QDEC Lab) State of Origin: Illinois Degree Program: PhD Entered Program: Fall 2017 Expected Graduation: Spring 2021 Dissertation Topic: Spatial Variation in Mosquito Populations that Mediate Vector-Borne Disease Risk Areas of interest: Medical geography, vector-borne disease, disease ecology, GIS and remote sensing, arthropod-borne viruses Research Statement: My research interests […]

Dr. Jason Blackburn named Colonel Allan R. & Margaret G. Crow Term Professor!

Congratulations to Dr. Jason Blackburn, who was named a Colonel Allan R. & Margaret G. Crow Term Professor for the 2017-2018 year! These one-year professorships were created by Colonel Allen R. and Mrs. Margaret G. Crow to recognize faculty who demonstrate excellent in scholarship, teaching, and service. These professorships, funded entirely by private sources, allow the […]

Fall Course: GEO3452 GEO6421 Medical Geography

This course provides a comprehensive survey of geographic topics and approaches in medical sciences, including: human ecology of diseases, research methods, geospatial techniques, landscape epidemiology, weather and climate, pollution issues, urban health, administration and planning, etc. What you will learn: -Basic concepts, principles, and methods that are widely used in medical geography studies; -A variety […]

Geography Colloquium: Evaluating the Impact of Livestock Vaccination Policies on the Epidemiology of Human Zoonotic Diseases in the Former Soviet Union

Evaluating the Impact of Livestock Vaccination Policies on the Epidemiology of Human Zoonotic Diseases in the Former Soviet Union Speaker: Ian Kracalik PhD Student, Department of Geography, University of Florida Thursday, January 26, 2017 3:00-3:50 PM (Period 8) Turlington Hall Room 3012 University of Florida All are welcome to attend.

Geography Colloquium: Understanding the Fundamentals & Domains of Disease Emergence – Some Exemplary Viral Zoonosis

Understanding the Fundamentals & Domains of Disease Emergence -Some Exemplary Viral Zoonosis Speaker: Dr. Jean-Paul Gonzalez Senior Science Advisor, Health For Development Thursday, January 19, 2017 3:00-3:50 PM (Period 8) Turlington Hall Room 3012 University of Florida All are welcome to attend.

MedGeo Faculty to Lead New CDC Center For Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease

GAINESVILLE – With a $10 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the University of Florida will lead a highly collaborative research program focused on stopping vector-borne diseases such as Zika before they spread farther into the United States. Key leadership for the Southeast Regional Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease will […]

Detection of an FV3-like Ranavirus in Wood Frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) and Green Frogs (Lithobates clamitans) in a Constructed Vernal Pool Network in Central New York State

RYAN – Detection of an FV3-like Ranavirus in Wood Frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) and Green Frogs (Lithobates clamitans) in a Constructed Vernal Pool Network in Central New York State TESS E. YOUKER-SMITH, CHRISTOPHER M. WHIPPS, SADIE J. RYAN Article first published online: 19 DEC 2016 Herpetological Review SUMMARY: As the US Northeast experienced reforestation over the past decades, recovering […]

Cholera in Cameroon, 2000-2012: Spatial and Temporal Analysis at the Operational (Health District) and Sub Climate Levels

KRACALIK, MORRIS, BLACKBURN – Cholera in Cameroon, 2000-2012: Spatial and Temporal Analysis at the Operational (Health District) and Sub Climate Levels Moise C. Ngwa, Song Liang, Ian T. Kracalik, Lillian Morris, Jason K. Blackburn, Leonard M. Mbam, Simon Franky Baonga Ba Pouth, Andrew Teboh, Yang Yang, Mouhaman Arabi, Jonathan D. Sugimoto, John Glenn Morris Jr. Article […]

Dr. Philipp H. Boersch-Supan

Dr. Philipp H. Boersch-Supan Courtesy Research Assistant Professor pboesu@gmail.com @pboesu http://pboesu.github.io Google Scholar State or nation of origin: Massachusetts/Germany Areas of interest: Marine ecology & biogeography, Ecological modelling, Foraging and movement ecology Adviser: Dr. Sadie Ryan Educational Background: Vordiplom in Chemistry, University of Marburg, Germany M.Res. in Environmental Biology, University of St Andrews, UK Ph.D. […]

Dr. Ian Kracalik

itk@ufl.edu State of Origin: California Degree Program: PhD Entered Program: Fall 2015 Expected Graduation: Spring 2017 Dissertation Topic: TBD Areas of interest: Medical geography, epidemiology, public health policy, and spatial analysis Adviser: Dr. Jason Blackburn Educational Background B.A. in Geogeraphy, California State University, Humboldt M.A. in Geography, University of Florida M.P.H.. in Epidemiology, University of Florida

Disentangling the Influence of Urbanization and Invasion on Endemic Geckos in Tropical Biodiversity Hot Spots: A Case Study of Phyllodactylus martini (Squamata: Phyllodactylidae) along an Urban Gradient in Curaçao

LIPPI – Disentangling the Influence of Urbanization and Invasion on Endemic Geckos in Tropical Biodiversity Hot Spots: A Case Study of Phyllodactylus martini (Squamata: Phyllodactylidae) along an Urban Gradient in Curaçao Alex Dornburg, Cat Lippi, Sarah Federman, Jon A. Moore, Dan L. Warren, Teresa L. Iglesias, Matthew C. Brandley, Gregory J. Watkins-Colwell, April D. Lamb and […]

Geography Colloquium: Bison, Anthrax, and the Environment – Indirect Disease Transmission Risks & Modeling

Bison, Anthrax, and the Environment – Indirect Disease Transmission Risks & Modeling Speaker: Ms. Dawn Nekorchuk PhD Student, Department of Geography, University of Florida Thursday, October 13, 2016 3:00-3:50 PM (Period 8) Turlington Hall Room 3006 University of Florida All are welcome to attend.

Dr. Nick Dowhaniuk

nick.dowhaniuk@ufl.edu National Geographic Young Explorer and Graduate School Fellow, National Geographic Society Country of Origin: Canada Degree Program: PhD Entered Program: Fall 2016 Graduation: Fall 2020 Current Course of Study: Graduate Certificate in Tropical Conservation and Development Graduate Certificate in Trauma and Resiliency Informed Approaches in Public Health Dissertation Topic: Illness, Health-Seeking Behavior, and Community Health […]

Dr. Anni Yang

yangann1@ufl.edu Country of Origin: China Degree Program: PhD Entered Program: Fall 2016 Expected Graduation: Spring 2020 Dissertation Topic: TBD Areas of interest: infectious disease, epidemiology, ecological niche modeling, geospatial analysis Adviser: Dr. Jason Blackburn Educational Background B.E. in Surveying and Mapping, Hohai University M.S. in Geography, Michigan State University

Jue (Joy) Yang

tvjoyxq@ufl.edu Country of Origin: China Degree Program: M.S. Entered Program: Fall 2016 Expected Graduation: Spring 2018 Dissertation Topic: TBD Areas of interest: Medical Geography, GIS Adviser: Dr. Liang Mao Educational Background B.S. in GIS, Hunan Normal University

Banana xanthomonas wilt continues to spread in Tanzania despite an intensive symptomatic plant removal campaign: an impending socio-economic and ecological disaster

BLACKBURN – Banana xanthomonas wilt continues to spread in Tanzania despite an intensive symptomatic plant removal campaign: an impending socio-economic and ecological disaster Mpoki M. Shimwela, Randy C. Ploetz, Fen D. Beed, Jeffrey B. Jones, Jason K. Blackburn, Shabani I. Mkulila, Ariena H. C. van Bruggen Article first published online: 16 SEPT 2016 Food Security DOI: 10.1007/s12571-016-0609-3 […]

Guangran Deng

guangrandeng@ufl.edu Country of Origin: China Degree Program: M.S. Entered Program: Fall 2016 Expected Graduation: Spring 2018 Dissertation Topic: To be determined Areas of interest: Medical Geography, GIS, 3D modelling, Coding Adviser: Dr. Liang Mao Educational Background B.S in GIS in Central South University  

Farewell to summer MedGeo researcher

This summer, Geography’s Ryan Lab and the Emerging Pathogens Institute were proud to host Lauren Fregosi as a summer research intern working on Dr. Sadie Ryan‘s National Science Foundation’s Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases (NSF EEID) grant. The internship, which was offered through the NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, was focused on modelling approaches […]

Assessing welfare of captive elephant populations

GAINESVILLE, Florida – A new collection of research articles, jointly edited by Dr. Sadie Ryan and published by PLoS ONE examines the health and well being of captive elephant populations in North American zoos and preserves. This collection is sensitive in nature. While keeping large, socially complex, and long-lived animals, such as elephants, in captivity […]

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding dengue infection among public sector healthcare providers in Machala, Ecuador

RYAN – Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding dengue infection among public sector healthcare providers in Machala, Ecuador Andrew S. Handel, Efraín Beltrán Ayala, Mercy J. Borbor-Cordova, Abigail G. Fessler, Julia L. Finkelstein, Roberto Xavier Robalino Espinoza, Sadie J. Ryan and Anna M. Stewart-Ibarra Article first published online: 01 JUN 2016 Tropical Diseases, Travel Medicine and Vaccines DOI: […]

The Origins, Programs, and Benefits of Age-Friendly Communities

GOLANT – The Origins, Programs, and Benefits of Age-Friendly Communities Stephen M. Golant Article first published online: 25 MAY 2015 The Gerontologist DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnw071 ABSTRACT: The emergence of the age-friendly community movement is a programmatic affirmation of what environmental gerontologists have long argued, namely, that the residential environments occupied by older individuals can influence their ability to […]

B.A. in Geography – Medical Geography in Global Health

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE IN MEDICAL GEOGRAPHY IN GLOBAL HEALTH (34-37 hours in Geography, courses do not double count) A. Geographic Fundamentals (6 credits) GEO 2200             Physical Geography (3) and one of: GEO 2410             Social Geography (3) GEO 2420             Introduction to Human Geography (3) GEO 2500             Global and Regional Economies (3) B1. Geographic […]

NSF funding UF research on Zika virus

GAINESVILLE, Florida — Dr. Sadie Ryan (Assistant Professor of Medical Geography in the Department of Geography and UF’s Emerging Pathogen Institute) and colleagues, have just received a National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Environmental Biology’s Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases (EEID) Program rapid response, or RAPID grant to study the socio-ecology and climate responses of Zika virus transmission […]

Predicting Disease Risk, Identifying Stakeholders, and Informing Control Strategies: A Case Study of Anthrax in Montana

BLACKBURN, MORRIS – Predicting Disease Risk, Identifying Stakeholders, and Informing Control Strategies: A Case Study of Anthrax in Montana Lillian R. Morris, Jason K. Blackburn Article first published online: 11 MAY 2016 EcoHealth DOI: 10.1007/s10393-016-1119-7 ABSTRACT: Infectious diseases that affect wildlife and livestock are challenging to manage and can lead to large-scale die-offs, economic losses, and threats to […]

New Geography track in Medical Geography in Global Health (MGGH)

The Geography Department is proud to announce a new Bachelor’s track (BA or BS) in Medical Geography in Global Health (MGGH). In addition to coursework in Medical Geography, the Bachelor’s in MGGH will include coursework in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Quantitative Analysis, Physical Geography, Social Geography, Regional Geography, and electives including Extreme Weather, Extreme Floods, Human Footprint […]

Congratulations to Dr. Hernández Ayala, Dr. Morris, and Dr. Zick!

We are proud to announce our latest PhD graduates – Dr. José Javier Hernández Ayala, Dr. Lillian Morris, and Dr. Stephanie Zick! Dr. Zick will join the Department of Geography at Virginia Tech as an Assistant Professor of Geographic Meteorology. She looks forward to diversifying the program with her tropical meteorology and numerical weather prediction expertise. Dr, Morris […]

Dr. Mao receives UF Informatics Institute Seed Fund grant

Dr. Liang Mao just received a UF Informatics Institute Seed Fund 2016 grant for his new project “Developing temporally comparable high resolution rurality maps for social and health sciences”. The project will run from September 2016 to August 2017. Dr. Mao will investigate the concept of ‘rurality’ has been widely used by policy makers and governments at […]

Geography students receive Champions for Change Award

Two Geography undergraduate students were recognized with the Champions for Change Award at the Earth Day celebration this week. Ms. Paula Roetscher (double major in Geography and Sustainability Studies and a minor in Arabic Language and Literature) and Mr. Tyler James (major in Psychology, minor in Geography) both received the award for their research and advocacy work. The Champions […]

Geography Colloquium: “Assessing the Recovery of Rainfall in Central Ghana” & “Inter-spatial Relationship of Child Health & Satellite-derived Vegetation in Zambia”

Geography Colloquium Assessing the Recovery of Rainfall in Central Ghana Speaker: Ms. Carly Muir Graduate Student, Geography Inter-spatial Relationship of Child Health & Satellite-derived Vegetation in Zambia Speaker: Ms. Audrey Smith Graduate Student, Geography Thursday, April 7, 2016 3:00-3:50 PM (Period 8) Turlington Hall Room 3012 University of Florida All are welcome to attend.

Perceptions of risk in communities near parks in an African biodiversity hotspot

RYAN – Perceptions of risk in communities near parks in an African biodiversity hotspot Joel Hartter, Nicholas Dowhaniuk, Catrina A. MacKenzie, Sadie J. Ryan, Jeremy E. Diem, Michael W. Palace, Colin A. Chapman Article first published online: 28 MAR 2016 Ambio DOI: 10.1007/s13280-016-0775-8 ABSTRACT: Understanding conservation and livelihood threats in park landscapes is important to informing conservation […]

Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in northeastern Iran: a GIS-based spatio-temporal multi-criteria decision-making approach

MOLLALO – Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in northeastern Iran: a GIS-based spatio-temporal multi-criteria decision-making approach A. MOLLALO and E. KHODABANDEHLOO Article first published online: 02 MAR 2016 Epidemiology & Infection DOI: 10.1017/S0950268816000224 ABSTRACT: Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) constitutes a serious public health problem in many parts of the world including Iran. This study was carried out to […]

Potential selection bias associated with using geocoded birth records for epidemiologic research

MAO – Potential selection bias associated with using geocoded birth records for epidemiologic research Sandie Ha, Hui Hu, Liang Mao, Dikea Roussos-Ross, Jeffrey Roth, Xiaohui Xu Article first published online: 04 Feb 2016 Annals of Epidemiology DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2016.01.002 ABSTRACT: Purpose There is an increasing use of geocoded birth registry data in environmental epidemiology research. Ungeocoded records […]

Mapping to Support Fine Scale Epidemiological Cholera Investigations: A Case Study of Spatial Video in Haiti

BLACKBURN – Mapping to Support Fine Scale Epidemiological Cholera Investigations: A Case Study of Spatial Video in Haiti Andrew Curtis, Jason K. Blackburn, Sarah L. Smiley, Minmin Yen, Andrew Camilli, Meer Taifur Alam, Afsar Ali, and  J. Glenn Morris Article first published online: 03 Feb 2016 International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13020187 […]

Biothreat Reduction and Economic Development: The Case of Animal Husbandry in Central Asia

BLACKBURN, WALKER – Biothreat Reduction and Economic Development: The Case of Animal Husbandry in Central Asia Robert Walker and Jason Blackburn Article first published online: 23 DEC 2015 Frontiers in Public Health DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2015.00270 ABSTRACT: Improving human welfare is a critical global concern, but not always easy to achieve. Complications in this regard have been faced […]

Spring Course: GEO4938/GEO6938 Applications of GIS for Spatial Epidemiology and Disease Ecology

Spatial autocorrelation statistics to detect global and local patterns of spatial data Medical geography Public Health Disease surveillance Space-time metrics Wildlife movements Ecological niche modeling   Students from diverse interests and colleges have made this class an interesting mix of public health, ecology, medical geography, and spatial analysis. Over the past few years, at least […]

Spatio-temporal patterns of an anthrax outbreak in white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginanus, and associated genetic diversity of Bacillus anthracis

BLACKBURN – Spatio-temporal patterns of an anthrax outbreak in white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginanus, and associated genetic diversity of Bacillus anthracis Jocelyn C. Mullins, Matthew Van Ert, Ted Hadfield, Mikeljon P. Nikolich, Martin E. Hugh-Jones and Jason K. Blackburn Article first published online: 15 December 2015 BCM Ecology DOI: 10.1186/s12898-015-0054-8 ABSTRACT: Background Anthrax, a soil-borne zoonosis caused by the […]

Applying Science: opportunities to inform disease management policy with cooperative research within a One Health framework

BLACKBURN, KRACALIK – Applying Science: opportunities to inform disease management policy with cooperative research within a One Health framework Jason K. Blackburn, Ian T. Kracalik and Jeanne M. Fair Article first published online: 07 December 2015 Frontiers in Public Health DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2015.00276 ABSTRACT: The ongoing Ebola outbreak in West Africa and the current saiga antelope die off in […]

With climate change, malaria risk in Africa shifts, grows

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A larger portion of Africa is currently at high risk for malaria transmission than previously predicted, according to a new University of Florida mapping study. Under future climate regimes, the area where the disease can be transmitted most easily will shrink, but the total transmission zone will expand and move into new […]

Mapping Physiological Suitability Limits for Malaria in Africa Under Climate Change

RYAN – Mapping Physiological Suitability Limits for Malaria in Africa Under Climate Change Ryan Sadie J., McNally Amy, Johnson Leah R., Mordecai Erin A., Ben-Horin Tal, Paaijmans Krijn, and Lafferty Kevin Article first published online: 18 Nov 2015 Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2015.1822 ABSTRACT: We mapped current and future temperature suitability for malaria transmission in Africa […]

How does a mosquito in Ecuador affect people around the world?

Geography’s Dr. Sadie Ryan‘s NSF funded research in Ecuador was recently profiled for part of UF’s GatorGood initiative. Dr. Ryan’s work is focused on the impact of climate gradients on malaria, dengue fever, and cholera in Ecuador. Find out more about the far-reaching effects if  Dr. Ryan’s work and learn how you can help contribute to the […]

Geography Colloquium: Anthrax in Australia: Integrating Ecological Niche Modeling and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Assessing Risk of Transmission

Geography Colloquium Anthrax in Australia: Integrating Ecological Niche Modeling and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Assessing Risk of Transmission Speaker: Mr. Alassane Barro Graduate Student, Geography Thursday, November 12, 2015 3:00-3:50 PM (Period 8) Turlington Hall Room 3012 University of Florida All are welcome to attend.

An individual-based rurality measure and its health application: A case study of Latino immigrants in North Florida, USA

MAO – An individual-based rurality measure and its health application: A case study of Latino immigrants in North Florida, USA Liang Mao, Jeanne-Marie R. Stacciarini, Rebekah Smith, Brenda Wiens Article first published online: 02 November 2015 Social Science & Medicine DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.10.064 ABSTRACT: Rurality has been frequently noted by researchers as pathways to understand human health […]

Predicting Self-Initiated Preventive Behavior Against Epidemics with an Agent-Based Relative Agreement Model

MAO – Predicting Self-Initiated Preventive Behavior Against Epidemics with an Agent-Based Relative Agreement Model Liang Mao Article first published online: 31 Oct 2015 Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation DOI: 10.18564/jasss.2892 ABSTRACT: Human self-initiated behavior against epidemics is recognized to have significant impacts on disease spread. A few epidemic models have incorporated self-initiated behavior, and most of […]

Human Anthrax Transmission at the Urban–Rural Interface, Georgia

KRACALIK, BLACKBURN – Human Anthrax Transmission at the Urban–Rural Interface, Georgia Ian Kracalik, Lile Malania, Paata Imnadze and Jason K. Blackburn Article first published online: 5 OCT 2015 The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0242 ABSTRACT: Human anthrax has increased dramatically in Georgia and was recently linked to the sale of meat in an […]

Geography Colloquium: Wildlife Movement and Disease Risk: Exploring Anthrax Transmission in Montana

Wildlife Movement and Disease Risk: Exploring Anthrax Transmission in Montana Geography Colloquium Speaker: Ms. Lillian Morris Graduate Student, Geography Thursday, October 8, 2015 3:00-3:50 PM (Period 8) Turlington Hall Room 3012 University of Florida All are welcome to attend.  

Environmental Monitoring and Surveillance of Rodents and Vectors for Francisella tularensis Following Outbreaks of Human Tularemia in Georgia

KRACALIK, BLACKBURN – Environmental Monitoring and Surveillance of Rodents and Vectors for Francisella tularensis Following Outbreaks of Human Tularemia in Georgia Elashvili Eka, Kracalik Ian, Burjanadze Irma, Datukishvili Sophio, Chanturia Gvantsa, Tsertsvadze Nikoloz, Beridze Levan, Shavishvili Merab, Dzneladze Archil, Grdzelidze Marina, Imnadze Paata, Pearson Andrew, and Blackburn Jason K Article first published online: 30 September 2015 Vector-Borne […]

Human Brucellosis Trends: Re-emergence and Prospects for Control Using a One Health Approach in Azerbaijan (1983–2009)

BLACKBURN – Human Brucellosis Trends: Re-emergence and Prospects for Control Using a One Health Approach in Azerbaijan (1983–2009) I. T. Kracalik, R. Abdullayev, K. Asadov, R. Ismayilova, M. Baghirova, N. Ustun, M. Shikhiyev, A. Talibzade and J. K. Blackburn Article first published online: 25 Sep 2015 in Zoonoses and Public Health DOI: 10.1111/zph.12229 ABSTRACT: Brucellosis is one […]

NSF Funding UF Research on Climate Change Impacts on Vectorborne Disease

GAINESVILLE, Florida — A new 5 year multi-institutional collaborative research grant of $1.85 million funded by the National Science Foundation’s Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases (NSF EEID) program will support research on the effect of temperature on 13 different diseases transmitted by insects. It will also measure the capacity for two common disease-carrying mosquitoes […]

Audrey Culver Smith

audreyculver@ufl.edu Country of Origin: USA Degree Program: PhD Entered program: Fall 2014 Expected Graduation: Fall 2026 Dissertation Topic: TBD Research statement: TBD Advisor: Dr. Jane Southworth Educational Background MS in XXX BS in XXX

Bacillus anthracis Diversity and Geographic Potential across Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad: Further Support of a Novel West African Lineage

BLACKBURN – Bacillus anthracis Diversity and Geographic Potential across Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad: Further Support of a Novel West African Lineage Jason K. Blackburn , Moses Ode Odugbo, Matthew Van Ert, Bob O’Shea, Jocelyn Mullins, Vincent Perrenten, Angaya Maho, Martin Hugh-Jones, Ted Hadfield Published: 20 August 2015 in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003931 ABSTRACT: Zoonoses, diseases […]

Residential Normalcy and the Enriched Coping Repertoires of Successfully Aging Older Adults

GOLANT – Residential Normalcy and the Enriched Coping Repertoires of Successfully Aging Older Adults Stephen M. Golant Article first published online: 18 MAY 2014 The Gerontologist DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnu036 ABSTRACT: An earlier theoretical model equated the construct of residential normalcy with older persons positively appraising their residential environments. Failing to achieve congruent places to live, they initiate assimilative (action) or […]

Undergraduate Certificates

Undergraduate Certificates The Department of Geography offers undergraduate certificates in Geographic Artificial Intelligence & Big Data, Geospatial Information Analysis, Medical Geography, and Meteorology and Climatology. Interested in a certificate? Please read our frequently asked questions before you apply. Certificate FAQ (opens in new tab) GeoAI: Geographic Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Certificate The integration of […]

Dr. Dawn Nekorchuk

Email: nekodm@ufl.edu State of Origin: Hawaii and Massachusetts Degree Program: PhD Advisor: Dr. Jason Blackburn and Dr. Liang Mao Entered Program: Fall 2012 Dissertation Topic: Animal movement modeling in a natural anthrax system Research Interests: Medical Geography, infectious disease modeling, agent-based modeling, One Health, Global Health  

Dr. Lillian Morris

Email: lillianmorris@ufl.edu State of origin: Maryland Degree Program: PhD Advisor: Dr. Jason Blackburn Entered Program: Fall 2011 Thesis/Dissertation Topic: Plague in Azerbaijan Areas of/Research Interests: Spatial epidemiology and ecology

Dr. Alassane Barro

Email: alasbaro@gmail.com Country of Origin: Burkina Faso           Degree Program: PhD Advisor: Dr. Jason Blackburn Entered Program: Fall 2012 Dissertation Topic: Medical Geography Research Interests: Spatial epidemiology, Spatial analysis, medical geography, GIS and Remote sensing.