Past Event: Oden Institute Seminar

Transmission of Respiratory Diseases

Lydia Bourouiba, Esther and Harold E. Edgerton Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, and Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, MIT

Abstract

The fundamental mechanisms governing disease transmission of and contamination by most pathogens remain poorly understood, with repeated confusion and debate about routes of transmission and mitigation at the emergence of each novel pathogen, including for COVID-19. Fluid processes and physical laws at various scales combined with biological processes are key in filling this gap. We will discuss how the underlying biophysics governing the dynamics of transmission shape a shift in paradigm in the definition of transmission routes, particularly for respiratory infectious diseases. If time allows, we will discuss how such shift can reshape our approach to multiscale modeling of epidemic dynamics. This seminar is jointly sponsored by the Oden Institute for Computational Engineering & Sciences, the J. Mike Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, and the Department of Population Health, Dell Medical School. BIO Lydia Bourouiba is an Associate Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she directs the Fluid Dynamics of Disease Transmission Laboratory. Her research leverages advanced fluid dynamics experiments at various scales, biophysics, and applied mathematics to elucidate interfacial flow and fluid fragmentation processes driving mixing, transport, and persistence of particles and microorganisms relevant to disease transmission in human, animal, and plant populations. Prof. Bourouiba founded the Fluids and Health Conference, creating an international forum for exchange on frontier research and challenges in health, where fluid dynamic concepts are at the core, including infectious diseases, drug delivery, food safety, and related policy. Prof. Bourouiba is the recipient of many awards, including the Tse Cheuk Ng Tai’s Prize for Innovative Research in Health Sciences, the Ole Madsen Mentoring Award, and the Smith Family Foundation Odyssey Award for high-risk/high-reward basic science research. NOTE: Please join this Zoom seminar online with the "Audio Only" function (no video)