While satellite remote sensing of the Earth can’t provide direct measurements of infectious diseases from space, satellites provide a wealth of data on the Earth system and the interactions among humans, animals, and the environment. These data can support better understanding of, and ultimately better management and mitigation of, the risks posed by various infectious diseases and how these relate to environmental and ecological factors. Dr. Malings will motivate the webinar with a brief introduction to satellite remote sensing and NASA’s efforts to enable use of these data in support of health applications. Dr. Bradley will highlight the use of NASA’s Earth observation in informing field-based ecological and environmental research as part of a OneHealth approach to vector-borne disease research. Dr. Loboda will discuss how EO data contribute to assessing risk for vector-borne disease outbreaks. Dr. Wimberly will describe several applications that use satellite remote sensing to support forecasting and risk mapping of mosquito-borne diseases. We will conclude with a discussion and feedback with the audience, focused on identifying the key needs and barriers related to the broader use of satellite remote sensing data in infectious disease monitoring and prevention.

Panel:

Carl Malings, PhD
Assistant Research Scientist
Morgan State University & NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Elizabeth A. Bradley, PhD
Research Scientist
University of Alabama in Huntsville
National Space Science and Technology Center

Tatiana Loboda, PhD
Professor and Chair
Department of Geographical Sciences University of Maryland

Michael C. Wimberly, PhD
Professor
Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability
University of Oklahoma