Disease Ecology | Principal Investigator, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies

Dr. Barbara Han is a pioneer in applying AI and ecoinformatics to predict spillover risks associated with zoonoses, including Ebola, SARS-CoV-2, Zika, Nipah, and understudied hemorrhagic fevers. Her research seeks to provide actionable predictions about when, where, and from which species future disease risks are likely to arise. By integrating machine learning with ecological and evolutionary principles, Dr. Han's work enhances upstream surveillance and management strategies, aiming to preempt spillover transmission and mitigate epidemic spread in humans.