Phylodynamics of disease networks
This project brings together two topics of broad society and scientific interest: the ecology of emerging infectious diseases and the dynamics of biological networks. The emergence of novel infectious diseases is arguable the most complex ecological-anthropological research frontier in modern biology. With this squarely in view, we are developing a computational model of pathogen transmission and evolution embedded within a multi-scale ensemble of heterogeneous networks, calibrated with data on avian influenza viruses in North America. It is well known that the majority of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic that either spillover into the human population of evolve the capacity for human to human transmission, an evolutionary step known as "host shift". This system is an ideal model for the kinds of ecological networks we believe underly the emergence of many human diseases. It is also a crucially important system for another reason: this is the system from which pandemic H5N1 would emerge, should it shift hosts from the wild bird reservoirs in which it currently persists, to infect and transmit between humans.
This project is part of an ongoing collaboration among Drs Drake, Rohani and Dr. David Stallknecht (School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia and Southeast Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study ).
We seek applicants for a postdoctoral associate to develop, parameterize, and calibrate an agent-based model of avian influenza transmission in waterfowl. A background in physics, applied mathematics, computer science, or quantitative ecology/evolutionary biology is required. To apply, send a letter of interest and CV, and arrange to have three letters of recommendation, to Dr. Pejman Rohani ( rohani@uga.edu ).
Project funded by the James S. McDonnell Foundation .
POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS
I am interested in taking new graduate students, with a broad interest in population ecology. Specifically, I would be keen to hear from potential students who have an interest in disease ecology, general host-natural enemy interactions, spatial ecology, theoretical ecology or evolutionary ecology. Currently, lab research involves a large range of projects that combine field experiments, laboratory microcosm systems and mathematical approaches. Therefore, I would encourage applications from anyone who is interested in integrating empirical and quantitative approaches.
Funding is available.
If you are interested in the lab's research focuses, please send me an e-mail (rohani@uga.edu) for more information.