Justin Lessler

Justin Lessler, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Gillings School of Global Public Health. His research focuses on infectious disease dynamics and control, particularly SARS-CoV-2, influenza, cholera, and dengue, combining statistical modeling, dynamic simulations, and innovative study designs to improve outbreak response. He holds a PhD in Epidemiology from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (2008), an MHS in Biostatistics (2008), an MS in Computer Science from Stanford (2003), and a BS in Mathematical Sciences from UNC Chapel Hill (1996).

His work emphasizes synergies between infection control, data collection, and disease dynamics. Key research areas include: (1) developing predictive models for zoonotic spillover (e.g., ebolavirus), (2) analyzing cholera transmission patterns in sub-Saharan Africa, (3) evaluating vaccine effectiveness in endemic settings, and (4) advancing disease forecasting methodologies. He collaborates with institutions like the CDC on outbreak forecasting initiatives.

Recent studies investigate mpox transmission networks among MSM populations, antibiotic resistance in Vibrio cholerae outbreaks, and influenza immunity patterns across lifespans. His methodological contributions include causal inference techniques and statistical frameworks for epidemiologic transportability. He advocates for improved infectious disease surveillance infrastructure and transparent outbreak data reporting standards.

Publications span over 15 years of pandemic response research, emphasizing scenario modeling for policy guidance and systematic reviews of carceral epidemiology. While no specific awards are highlighted here, his work has significantly impacted global health preparedness strategies.