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Global Health Seminar: Mapping Tuberculosis Transmission in Uganda using Network Science
Refreshments will be available from 3:45pm
Title: Mapping Tuberculosis Transmission in Uganda using Network Science
Speaker: Dr. Christopher Whalen
Dr. Whalen, a physician-epidemiologist, is dedicated to reducing the suffering and mortality caused by infectious diseases, particularly tuberculosis and HIV infection. His work focuses on regions most affected by these diseases, with a primary emphasis on Sub-Saharan Africa, especially Uganda. Dr. Whalen’s current research agenda aims to enhance tuberculosis control strategies and improve clinical care for individuals with HIV-associated tuberculosis. His research has explored the mechanisms underlying HIV-tuberculosis coinfection, treatment approaches for HIV-associated tuberculosis, and tuberculosis prevention strategies. Since 1993, Dr. Whalen has been consistently funded by federal grants. His research portfolio includes household contact studies, social network studies, large population-based cohort studies, and phase II and III randomized clinical trials, all conducted in Africa. As an expert in study design and causal inference, Dr. Whalen employs modern quantitative methods to analyze complex and large datasets. His current research program focuses on the application of network science methods.
From a network perspective, transmission of M. tuberculosis occurs through the pattern of connections in the sociocentric network between cases, contacts, and places where they mix. By using network analysis, we have shown that tuberculosis persists in African cities because of the network topology, the nature of ‘weak ties’ in networks, and need for built environment that allow for transmission. This work involves using robust statistical approaches from network science, microbiology, bioinformatics, mobile digital technologies, and geography. The results of this study, and future studies, will inform community-based, participatory research design to control tuberculosis where it is spread.