VT KTU March exhibit- "Tracking the geographical spread of disease: how and why diseases seem more prevalent in today’s globalized world"

Analyzing disease transmission and diffusion assists in understanding the etiology of a specific disease. This analysis also provides health care providers and public health officials with the tools necessary to track diseases and determine where and when to apply preventative measures. We will examine the types of disease diffusion and why different disease spread in different ways. We will review how globalization has contributed to the spread of diseases and discuss if new diseases are emerging. We will also examine ways to prevent disease and other illnesses at the local level, including innovative ways to grow healthy, more nutritious foods.

This hands-on activity is being led by three masters students in our Medical Geography Program, with assistance from a Ph.D. student and three undergraduate students from the Department of Geography. The Geography Department (founded in 1975), located in Major Williams Hall, is part of the College of Natural Resources and Environment. We offer both Bachelors and Masters Degrees and we participate in the College of Natural Resources doctoral program in Geospatial and Environmental Analysis. We have recently added a new degree program in Meteorology. The department’s students are active in its Geographic Society’s many outreach events and fellowship activities, such as exploring caves in southwest Virginia. More information about our program, our students, staff, and faculty can be found on our website at here.