Professor
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
University of Florida
Topic: Contact patterns and influenza
Dr. Cummings’ research on emerging pathogens has included studies of MERS, Ebola and novel influenza, observing and characterizing transmission dynamics in the early days of outbreaks. Particular areas of focus include speed and patterns of transmission and the natural history of a pathogen. In 2020, Derek contributed to an early transmission model for the novel coronavirus and co-authored a study finding a vaccine effective against a common variant. Prior to coming to UF, Derek and his colleagues collaborated to develop an infectious disease surveillance system for targeting Ebola and other infectious diseases before they proliferate and become serious threats to public health.