Folashade Benette Agusto

Dr. Folashade B. Agusto is an Associate Professor at the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Kansas. With a robust background in applied mathematics, Dr. Agusto has dedicated her career to the intricate world of disease modeling, focusing on the emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases that pose significant threats to public health. Her work is a testament to the critical role of mathematical models in understanding and mitigating the spread of diseases. Throughout her career, Dr. Agusto has made substantial contributions to the field by developing models for a range of infectious diseases, including Ebola, avian influenza, Zika, Chikungunya, and malaria. Her research is not only theoretical but also has practical implications, as she is currently engaged in studying the impacts of prescribed fire on ticks and tick-borne diseases in the Great Plains. This work is particularly relevant given the increasing concerns about vector-borne diseases in changing climates. In addition to her work on vector-borne diseases, Dr. Agusto is deeply invested in understanding the role of human behavior in the transmission of diseases such as COVID-19. Her research in this area seeks to unravel the complex interactions between human actions and disease dynamics, providing insights that are crucial for public health interventions and policy-making. Dr. Agusto's scholarly contributions are well-recognized, with a strong publication record that underscores her expertise and commitment to advancing the field of disease modeling. Her work has been presented at numerous conferences, where she has shared her findings with the scientific community and engaged in collaborative discussions to further the understanding of infectious diseases. Beyond her research, Dr. Agusto is passionate about mentoring the next generation of scientists. She is actively involved in teaching and guiding students, fostering an environment of curiosity and innovation. Her dedication to education and research excellence makes her a valued member of the academic community at the University of Kansas. Dr. Agusto's work continues to have a profound impact on the field of public health, as she strives to develop models that not only predict disease outbreaks but also inform effective strategies for prevention and control. Her contributions are instrumental in shaping the future of disease modeling and public health policy.