Speakers

Dr. Vazquez-Prokopec is the Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor in Environmental Sciences at Emory University. He has earned a MSc and PhD from the University of Buenos Aires (Argentina) in Applied Ecology. His primary research areas are Vector Ecology and Control, with particular emphasis on: a) identifying the determinants of the transmission and geographic spread of vector-borne diseases; b) understanding the ecological interactions driving pathogen transmission dynamics; and c) applying evidence-based approaches to improve public health policy and practice. He has contributed to major advances in vector surveillance and control, including the invention of the Prokopack aspirator (a gold-standard for mosquito collections), the development of targeted indoor residual spraying for Aedes vectors and, in his capacity as Emory-PAHO Center Director, the development of a risk stratification framework for Ae. aegypti control in the Americas. Over his 20-year career, Dr. Vazquez-Prokopec has published more than 160 peer-reviewed publications and has led diverse research projects on the eco-epidemiology of vector-borne and parasitic diseases. His methodological expertise includes Phase II and III trials, longitudinal cohort studies, and advanced statistical and mathematical approaches. He currently serves as member of WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on dengue vaccination.