Edem Fiatsonu
Syracuse,USA
Summary
Infectious disease epidemiologist specializing in mathematical modeling, wastewater-based epidemiology, and global health surveillance systems. Currently working with Dr. David Larsen at Syracuse University, contributing to the New York State Wastewater Surveillance Network, where I develop statistical and mechanistic models integrating environmental viral signals with clinical surveillance data to improve outbreak detection and public health decision-making. My research combines epidemiological modeling, environmental surveillance, and computational data science to develop early-warning systems for infectious diseases. I am particularly interested in wastewater surveillance, zoonotic disease modeling, rural–urban disparities in infectious disease dynamics, and quantitative tools for global health preparedness.
My research aims to integrate environmental surveillance, infectious disease modeling, and public health decision science to improve detection and response to emerging infectious disease threats. Building on my work in Chagas disease transmission modeling and wastewater-based epidemiology, I seek to develop scalable analytical tools that strengthen surveillance systems and support evidence-based public health interventions.
Diligent postdoctoral research scientist with robust background in advanced research methodologies and scientific exploration. Contributed to significant breakthroughs in molecular biology and biochemical research. Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams and adapt to evolving research challenges.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Postdoctoral Research Scientist
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY, USA
04.2025 - Current
- Working with Dr. David Larsen contributing to the New York State Wastewater Surveillance Network (CDC-supported).
- Responsibilities:
- Develop statistical and mechanistic models integrating wastewater viral loads with clinical case data
- Design risk-based thresholds for early outbreak detection
- Investigate rural–urban disparities in infectious and respiratory diseases
- Mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers in epidemiological modeling
- Collaborate with the New York State Department of Health and CDC partners
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Texas A&M University
01.2025 - 04.2025
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences
- Developed temperature-sensitive mechanistic models of Trypanosoma cruzi transmission
- Conducted Bayesian parameter estimation and GIS spatial analysis
- Integrated ecological and epidemiological datasets to evaluate Chagas disease transmission risk
Graduate Research Assistant
Texas A&M University
01.2022 - 12.2024
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences
- Dissertation: Mathematical Modeling of Canine Chagas Disease and Control Strategies
- Research contributions:
- Developed multi-host epidemiological models for zoonotic disease transmission
- Conducted statistical and computational modeling using R, Python, and MATLAB
- Produced peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations
Mathematician
SnooCODE – TinnyDavid Ltd
Accra, Ghana
11.2020 - 12.2021
- Developed geospatial optimization models for healthcare delivery across more than 100 countries
- Led development of hospital ranking and patient triage algorithms
- Contributed to SnooCODE RED emergency response system for Vodafone Ghana Foundation
- Improved ambulance response time by 40% and victim location accuracy by 30%
- Enhanced healthcare route optimization by 42,000× through algorithmic redesign
Teaching & Research Assistant
University of Cape Coast
Cape Coast, Ghana
09.2018 - 08.2019
- Department of Medical Imaging & Sonography Technology
- Supervised and mentored more than 100 undergraduate students in problem-based learning projects
- Assisted in teaching analytical and quantitative concepts relevant to medical imaging research
- Conducted survey data analysis on pregnant women’s perceptions of antenatal ultrasound
- Provided academic support through grading, tutorials, and feedback
Education
Master of Science - Biomedical Sciences
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX12-2024
Master of Science - Mathematical Sciences
African Institute For Mathematical Sciences
Accra- Ghana07-2020
Master of Science - Economics And Mathematics
University of Cape Coast
Cape Coast05-2018
Skills
- Wastewater-based epidemiology and infectious disease surveillance
- Mathematical modeling of infectious disease transmission
- Early-warning systems for outbreak detection
- Rural–urban disparities in infectious and respiratory diseases
- Zoonotic disease modeling and Chagas disease epidemiology
- Computational epidemiology (R, Python, MATLAB)
- Programming: R, Python, MATLAB, STATA
- Modeling Methods:
- SEIR models, Bayesian inference, MCMC
- Data Science:
- Statistical modeling, machine learning
- Spatial Analysis:
- GIS epidemiology
Accomplishments
- Contributed to the New York State Wastewater Surveillance Network, developing statistical models for outbreak detection
- Developed risk-based thresholds for wastewater surveillance systems
- Advanced modeling of Chagas disease control strategies
- Published multiple peer-reviewed articles in international journals
- Presented research at international scientific conferences
- Developed healthcare optimization models used across 100+ countries
Affiliations
- American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH)
- Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM)
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Postdoctoral Research Scientist
Syracuse University
04.2025 - Current
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Texas A&M University
01.2025 - 04.2025
Graduate Research Assistant
Texas A&M University
01.2022 - 12.2024
Mathematician
SnooCODE – TinnyDavid Ltd
11.2020 - 12.2021
Teaching & Research Assistant
University of Cape Coast
09.2018 - 08.2019
Master of Science - Biomedical Sciences
Texas A&M University
Master of Science - Mathematical Sciences
African Institute For Mathematical Sciences
Master of Science - Economics And Mathematics
University of Cape Coast
PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS
- Fiatsonu E., Deka A., Ndeffo-Mbah M.L. (2024) Assessing the impact of a potential canine vaccine for the control of Chagas disease. Frontiers in Tropical Diseases.
- Fiatsonu E., Mokhtar S., Ndeffo-Mbah M.L. The impact of temperature on canine Chagas disease transmission risk. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.
- Fiatsonu E., Busselman R., Hamer G., Hamer S., Ndeffo-Mbah M.L. (2023) Effectiveness of trifluralin treatment regimens for the control of canine Chagas disease. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases.
- Fiatsonu E., Busselman R., Ndeffo-Mbah M.L. (2023) A scoping review of mathematical models investigating dogs in Chagas disease transmission. Animals.
- Fiatsonu E., Deka A., Ndeffo-Mbah M.L. (2023) Effectiveness of systemic insecticide dog treatment for Chagas disease control. Frontiers in Tropical Diseases.
- Opoku N., Bader G., Fiatsonu E. (2021) Controlling crime using mathematical techniques. Chaos, Solitons & Fractals.
- American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) Annual Meeting – Flash Talk & Poster (2023)
- SIMIODE International Conference – Oral Presentation (2023)
- Texas A&M Student Research Week – Poster Presentation (2023)
- Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences Research Symposium – Flash Talk (2023)
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
- Peer Reviewer – Cureus Journal of Medical Science
- Reviewer for manuscripts in:
- Artificial intelligence in healthcare
- Clinical epidemiology
- Healthcare simulation and modeling
OUTREACH & VOLUNTEERING
- Judge – Texas Junior Academy of Science (2024)
- Judge – SIMIODE Mathematical Modeling Competition (2024)
- Tutor – FemaFric Initiative (STEM mentorship for girls in Africa)