Team
Bio.Diaspora was founded by Dr. Kamran Khan, an infectious disease clinician and scientist at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, and an Associate Professor of Medicine with the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Toronto. Throughout his medical and research training at the University of Toronto, Cornell, Columbia, and Harvard, Dr. Khan has sought to understand the complex relationship between global travel, human migration and infectious diseases. His experiences as a clinician during the introduction of West Nile virus into New York City in 1999, the U.S. anthrax bioterrorism event of 2001, the SARS epidemic in Toronto in 2003 and most recently, the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic have given him unique insights into the implications of emerging disease threats.
Since the creation of Bio.Diaspora in 2008, Dr. Khan has assembled a highly talented team of experts in geographic information systems (GIS), transportation networks, simulation modeling, spatial data systems, data visualization, computer sciences and software development to complement his leadership and expertise in emerging infectious diseases, public health, and cutting-edge scientific research.
Current team members:
Kamran Khan MD, MPH, FRCPC
Kamran is an infectious disease physician and scientist and founder of Bio.Diaspora.
Julien Arino PhD
Julien is a mathematician and computer programmer and leads the global epidemic simulations arm of the project.
Rose Eckhardt MA
Rose is a health geographer who conducts research related to spatial spread of infectious diseases and leads strategic planning.
Wei (Vivian) Hu BSc, BEng
Vivian is a data analyst who manages the project's worldwide airline transportation database as well as other essential data for the project. She is also a computer scientist and software programmer who is deeply involved in application development.
David Kossowsky BA
David works as a GIS mapper, cartographer and graphic designer. With educational training in GIS and architecture and strong interests in computers and data visualization, David applies his technical and design skills to create meaningful maps and images from data and research findings.
Michael MacDonald BA, MSA
Michael is a GIS expert and software developer who is deeply involved with program development and management of the Bio.Diaspora server architecture.
Jennifer Sears BSc
Jennifer is a Research Coordinator, with a background in life sciences and epidemiology. Her role on the team is to coordinate knowledge translation, engage stakeholders, review current policy, and procure funding opportunities.
Langhi (Yihao) Shen BSc
As a software developer, Langhi is fascinated by maps that convey valuable spatial information, and dedicates himself in developing interactive web mapping applications in various platforms, including commercial enterprise and open source.
Graham Smith BES, MES
Graham is a geomatics specialist, with a background in developing spatial solutions in a multitude of business areas. His role on the team is to build and manage the enterprise geospatial data holdings that support the project.
Jun Wang MSc
Jun works as a statistician, SAS programmer and data analyst. He brings his expertise in mathematics, statistics, and research to the team.