This is the course website for FYOS 1001: Ecology of Infectious Diseases

Description. The University of Georgia is a world leader in research in the ecology of infectious diseases. In this class, students will learn about ongoing research projects from laboratories in the Center for the Ecology of Infections Diseases (CEID) through readings, discussion, and direct interaction with faculty scientists. Students will tour labs, discuss research, and read papers from CEID faculty housed in four different schools and colleges: College of Veterinary Medicine, School of Ecology, College of Public Health, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. In this way, students will come to appreciate how different disciplinary perspectives address the ecology of infectious diseases and will be introduced to a variety of technical research methodologies and student research opportunities. This multi-disciplinary approach further shows how two of UGA’s signature research themes—Inquiring & Innovating to Improve Human Health and Safeguarding & Sustaining Our World—are related. The research function of the university will be emphasized, focusing on how this research helps to achieve the service mission of UGA with applications in ecosystem conservation, public health, economic development, and international security.

Instructor. Dr. Drake is a Professor in the Odum School of Ecology. He received his PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Notre Dame for work on the ecology of aquatic invasive species. Dr. Drake’s research tackles a wide range of questions in ecology and population dynamics, united by a common focus on data-driven analysis, quantitative methods, and computer-assisted modeling. Dr. Drake is the Director of the UGA Center for Ecology of Infectious Diseases and during 2014 and 2015 led a team of analysts to develop models of the ongoing West Africa Ebola epidemic in an effort to provide real time information that might assist decision-makers, policymakers, and other responders. For more information, see his website.