The
Lloyd-Smith
lab at UCLA
Studying infectious diseases at the animal-human interface
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Our Research Program
We combine mathematical
and computer models
with field and laboratory data to understand how infectious diseases spread and evolve, and how to reduce their health impacts.
We focus on zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that transmit from animals to humans. Zoonoses make up 60% of all human pathogens and 75% of emerging infections, but are less well-studied than other human infections because their natural history crosses traditional scientific disciplines. We use models to integrate ideas and data from many disciplines, with the aim of answering big questions about zoonotic and emerging pathogens.
Click here to learn more.
Dynamics of Zoonotic Infections
We build mathematical models for the spread of infections in animal reservoirs, at the animal-human interface, and in the human population. We also develop new tools to analyze laboratory, clinical and field data for these pathogens, and to design better ways to limit their health impacts. Click here to learn more.
Leptospirosis in California Sea Lions
Leptospirosis causes annual outbreaks in the California sea lion population, and leads to large numbers of animals stranding and dying each fall. With a team of collaborators, we are conducting fieldwork, clinical studies and modeling analyses to understand what factors drive outbreak intensity and how the pathogen persists in the ecosystem. We are also gaining basic insights into the ecology and epidemiology of this important zoonotic disease. Click here to learn more.
Monkeypox in the Congo Basin
Since the eradication of smallpox, incidence of human monkeypox has risen sharply in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We are working with epidemiologists to understand what is driving the emergence of monkeypox, and to quantify the contributions of zoonotic spillover, human-to-human transmission, and other factors. Click here to learn more.
Evolutionary emergence of new pathogens
Viruses such as H5N1 influenza, SARS-CoV and canine parvovirus can mutate to adapt to new host species, and many pathogens can evolve to become drug-resistant or escape from vaccines. We are developing new theory to study how evolutionary processes at different scales can lead to emergence of novel pathogens or strains. Click here to learn more.
Childhood imprinting to influenza A viruses
Influenza viruses persistently spill over from animals into humans, where they threaten to cause pandemics. A central tenet of influenza pandemic risk assessment has always been that the entire human population lacks immunity against unfamiliar, animal-origin viruses. However, our recent study showed that large fractions of the human population actually do have pre-existing immunity against two avian influenza viruses of great concern for pandemic emergence in humans. Individuals gain lifelong, partial protection against influenza viruses in the same genetic group as the viruses they encountered as children. Click here to learn more.
News
SEPTEMBER 2021
Amanda graduates with a Master, and Riley with a PhD. Congratulations to both!
AUGUST 2021
Amandine got awarded a Collaboratory Fellowship from UCLA QCBio. Congratulations!
JUNE 2021
Christian and Carlie graduate with Masters. Congratulations to both!
SEPTEMBER 2020
Lizzie and Dylan join the lab. Welcome!
JUNE 2020
Oshi graduates with a Master and moves to UC Davis!
SEPTEMBER 2019
Carlie joins the lab as a graduate student. Welcome Carlie!
Click here to read more lab news.