W3 Seminar – From Reactive to Proactive Public Health: Mapping Coastal Vibriosis Risk

Details

Speaker:
Komalpreet Singh, Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, UF

Title:
From Reactive to Proactive Public Health: Mapping Coastal Vibriosis Risk with Satellite Data using GeoAI and Machine Learning

Abstract:
Advancements in remote sensing and satellite technology are leveraged to pioneer a proactive approach to infectious disease detection, shifting the paradigm from reactive to anticipatory public health action within coastal and aquatic environments. Focusing on Vibriosis, a growing public health concern, this study combines high-resolution satellite data with GeoAI and advanced machine learning techniques to understand the environmental conditions favorable for Vibrio species, a water-borne pathogen and then predicting their presence. This engineering framework highlights how specific water quality drivers and hydrological processes within coastal watersheds such as Sea Surface Temperature (SST), Phosphate, and Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM) are critical in shaping Vibrio habitats. By employing advanced methods, this study developed highly accurate models that provide precise, season-specific insights into hydrological risk gradients, enabling targeted surveillance, coastal public health and improved water quality management. This research also establishes a direct link between large-scale climatic phenomena like the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the spatio-temporal dynamics of vibriosis outbreaks, demonstrating how changes in coastal water systems can influence disease risk. Ultimately, the goal is to provide a comprehensive tool for developing global predictive systems, empowering public health officials and water resource managers with the insights needed for early intervention and better preparedness.