About
Academic background
B.A. Hiram College, Psychobiology, 1968-1972
University of Chicago, Evolutionary Biology, 1974-1975
Harvard University, Sc.M., Human Ecology, 1979-1980
Harvard University, Sc.D., Vector Ecology, 1980-85
Research Scientist, Pasteur Institut, Dakar, Senegal, 1987-1990
Assistant to Associate Professor, Yale University School of Medicine, 1991-1996
Research interests
Population-level interactions among parasites, vertebrate reservoirs, and invertebrate or physical vectors influence transmission of many human pathogens. The temporal and spatial distributions of these infections are further complicated by abiotic environmental influences. Dr. Wilson's laboratory is addressing patterns and processes in disease ecology, particularly of human pathogens that are arthropod-borne or zoonotic. Studies of transmission dynamics, vector-host-parasite evolution, and environmental variation are directed at various viral, bacterial, and protozoal diseases. The approach employs field studies, laboratory experiments and modeling, including use of satellite images and GIS. Ultimately, efforts are aimed at reducing risk of disease emergence, designing ecologically-sound development, and understanding the impacts of global environmental change.
Teaching
EPID 554: Introduction to Globalization and Health
EPID 605: Infectious Disease Epidemiology
EPID 770: Environmental Determinants of Infectious Diseases
EPID 882: Malaria and Other Vector-Borne Diseases of Importance
Research Areas(s)
- Ecology of infectious diseases
Affiliation(s)
Award(s)
- Chair of the National Research Council Panel on Human Health and Security, Earth Science, and Applications from Space
- Chair of the Study Group on Global Change and Infectious Diseases
- Member of the Institute of Medicine Panel on Emerging Microbial Threats in the 21st Century
- Councilor of the American Societyof Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
- Member of the NRC Panel on Climate, Ecosystems, Infectious Diseases, and Human Health
Field(s) of Study
- Ecology of infectious diseases
Image credit: University Record
