do you think the math.epi.lab might be a good fit for you?
PLEASE NOTE: RECRUITMENT OF GRADUATE STUDENTS FOR 2025-2026 ADMISSION HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND SO I AM NOT ACCEPTING ANY MORE EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST AT THIS TIME.
I am always looking for enthusiastic trainees who would like to pursue research under the umbrella of infectious disease biology and epidemiology. Our team members come from diverse academic backgrounds including biology, mathematics, computer science, epidemiology, veterinary medicine, and human medicine. This diversity allows for the cross-pollination of ideas and methodological approaches to address highly interdisciplinary research questions. We maintain active collaborations with academic researchers as well as government and industry scientists. Prospective students do not necessarily need to have a background in infectious disease, epidemiology, or modeling to join us (although if you do we would love to meet you!).
A few things to know:
I am an infectious disease epidemiologist, mathematical modeler, and public health scientist. I do not have a wet lab and therefore, if you are interested in doing laboratory based research on infectious diseases, our team will not be a good fit for your interests.
Most of our research is analytical in nature (which means we spend alot of time on a computer) but we also conduct field studies to collect data that we can include in mathematical models. Our primary focus is on research that helps to improve our understanding of the dynamics, prevention, and control of infectious diseases in populations.
Undergraduate research opportunities
I currently have one opening available for an undergraduate thesis student to join our team for the 2025-2026 academic year.
I am interested in connecting with undergraduate students who have completed coursework in ecology and who have completed BIOL3640 (Epidemiology) and/or BIOL4110 (Infectious Disease Biology) with a grade of > 80%. Additional consideration will be given to students that have successfully (>80%) completed at least 1 undergraduate course in statistics and/or calculus (e.g. successful completion of MATH220 or MATH 4230). I will consider students with different backgrounds if the justification seems reasonable.
If you are interested in joining our team, please send Dr. Greer an email stating 1) why you would like to complete an undergraduate thesis and 2) what skills you would bring to our team. You should also include a copy of your resume/CV, and an unofficial transcript.
Graduate and postdoctoral opportunities (we are NOT currently recruiting!)
Ideal candidates will have an interest in infectious disease biology and willingness to expand their quantitative skills. Enthusiastic students with the desire and willingness to learn the required skills are welcome to contact me to discuss joining our group.
Identifying a faculty member to work with during your graduate or postdoctoral training is really important. The culture of the training environment and the support that you will have for your work is important to understand. You can learn more about my approach to mentorship, and some of our team expectations by reading my Mentoring Statement.
Please keep in mind that our research group does work on both human and animal infectious diseases. Graduate students are encouraged to enquire about opportunities with my group before submitting an application to the graduate program. Details about the Environmental and Life Science graduate program can be found on the following website (including admission requirements and deadlines).