My research primarily focusses on studying transmission mechanisms of neglected tropical diseases, with a focus on climate-sensitive pathogens, using spatial statistical models and community-based studies.

In this work I apply eco-epidemiological approaches to delineate the mechanisms and complex interactions between animal reservoirs, the environment, climate and human behaviour that drive transmission of these diseases. In this work I use eco-epidemiological study designs and spatiotemporal geostatistical modelling frameworks to jointly collect and analyse data at the human-environment-animal interface.

I am currently undertaking a three-year fellowship to explore the link between environmental hygiene, flooding and health for three climate-sensitive environmental and zoonotic diseases (EZDs) in marginalised urban communities in Salvador, Brazil using a One Health approach. The project aims to address a critical evidence gap on the impact of environmental hygiene interventions (simplified sewerage with community participation and health education) on EZD transmission. The three-year longitudinal study has an eco-epidemiological design consisting of i) a prospective community cohort to serologically identify human infection, ii) environmental sampling of soil and water to measure environmental pathogen load, and iii) animal surveys (rats and domestic animals) to explore zoonotic spillover risk. This study is a collaboration with the Federal University of Bahia and Fiocruz in Salvador, Brazil.