Jianhong Wu

Mapping the spread of infectious diseases using math

Dr. Jianhong Wu uses math to model the spread of infectious diseases. Dr. Wu’s team at the York Institute for Health Research has tracked the population of the black-legged tick as it moves north towards Canada, thereby increasing Canadians’ risk of contracting Lyme disease.

Over the next 60 years, his team forecasts a huge growth in tick populations in the United States, Western Canada, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes. The knowledge of how a disease spreads helps public health officials prepare to respond.

For more information: York University >

* Jianhong Wu was one of 14 Innovators to Know invited to Ottawa by Universities Canada on Feb. 24, 2016 to meet with high school students, science policy makers and Parliamentarians.