Thomas Gillespie (epidemiologist)

American epidemiologist

Thomas Gillespie in 2016

Thomas Gillespie is an American epidemiologist and ecologist known for his research on the ecology of infectious diseases, particularly those that are transmitted between humans and wildlife. He is a professor at Emory University in the Department of Environmental Sciences and the Rollins School of Public Health.

Education and Early Career

Thomas Gillespie received his undergraduate degree in biology from University of California, Santa Cruz. He went on to earn his Ph.D. in ecology from the University of Florida, where he focused on the interactions between wildlife and infectious diseases. His early work involved studying the transmission dynamics of pathogens in primate populations.

Research

Gillespie's research primarily focuses on the ecology and epidemiology of infectious diseases, with a particular emphasis on zoonotic diseases—those that are transmitted from animals to humans. He has conducted extensive fieldwork in various parts of the world, including Africa and South America, studying the transmission of pathogens such as HIV, Ebola virus, and other emerging infectious diseases.

Zoonotic Disease Transmission

One of Gillespie's key research areas is understanding how changes in land use, such as deforestation and urbanization, affect the transmission of zoonotic diseases. His work has shown that habitat destruction can increase the risk of disease spillover from wildlife to humans by bringing humans and wildlife into closer contact.

Primate Pathogens

Gillespie has also studied the transmission of pathogens among non-human primates, particularly in regions where humans and primates coexist. His research has contributed to understanding how diseases like simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) can jump from primates to humans, leading to the emergence of new human diseases.

Academic Contributions

At Emory University, Gillespie teaches courses on infectious disease ecology, conservation biology, and global health. He is also involved in mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering the next generation of scientists in the field of disease ecology.

Public Engagement

Gillespie is active in public outreach and education, frequently speaking on the importance of understanding the ecological factors that drive disease emergence. He advocates for interdisciplinary approaches to tackling global health challenges, emphasizing the need for collaboration between ecologists, epidemiologists, and public health professionals.

Related Pages

• Epidemiology
• Zoonosis
• Ecology
• Public health