my research experience
Exploring the intersection of wildlife disease, conservation, and One Health
Research Areas
Over the past decade, I have been involved in multidisciplinary and collaborative research initiatives in Bangladesh and internationally. My research primarily focuses on three key areas: 1) Wildlife Disease Ecology, 2) Field Epidemiology, and 3) One Health Research and Training.
Wildlife Disease Ecology
My research in wildlife disease ecology focuses on understanding the ecology of infectious disease transmission, persistence, and spillover across diverse environmental contexts. I am particularly interested in how wildlife behavior influences pathogen transmission and triggers outbreaks within specific ecosystems. My previous work includes studies on Nipah encephalitis, avian influenza in wild birds, leptospirosis in rodents, and antibiotic resistance in fruit bats in Bangladesh. Currently, I am researching white-tailed deer’s behaviors in transmitting Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). This project involves analyzing video data from camera traps that monitor deer behavior at potential environmental reservoirs and using GPS collars fitted with video cameras to track deer movements and interactions across the landscape.Â
Field Epidemiology
In my role as a Veterinary Consultant specializing in One Health at the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (2014-2019), I was involved in investigating zoonotic disease outbreaks, particularly those associated with wildlife or of unknown origin. Subsequently, as a Technical Advisor for the Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (2019-2023), I developed and implemented Bangladesh’s first Field Epidemiology Training Program for veterinarians, in collaboration with government agencies and other stakeholders. My ongoing research interests include strengthening One Health systems and conducting research on outbreak investigation and surveillance in developing country settings.
One Health
I am dedicated to applying the One Health approach to control emerging infectious diseases at the human, animal, and environmental interface. I have been actively involved in promoting the One Health approach in Bangladesh and served as the Publication Secretary of One Health Bangladesh for four years. My research interests within the One Health framework are broad, encompassing zoonotic and vector-borne diseases, climate change, and other related topics. Through my work, I aim to contribute to the development of integrated strategies that address complex health challenges in a holistic manner.