Scott Nuismer

Scott Nuismer is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Idaho's College of Science. He holds cross-disciplinary affiliations as a Member of the Initiative for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Studies (IBEST) within the Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences and as Participating Faculty in the Institute for Modeling Collaboration and Innovation (IMCI). His educational background includes a PhD in Biology from Washington State University (2000) and a BS in Biology from the University of Utah (1996).

His research integrates quantitative and computational approaches to address complex biological challenges. Core interests span evolutionary dynamics of host-pathogen interactions, zoonotic disease epidemiology, and innovative vaccine strategies. Key focuses include:

• Engineering evolutionarily stable transmissible vaccines for wildlife disease control
• Modeling climate-driven shifts in zoonotic spillover risks
• Genetic basis of viral emergence and host adaptation
• Optimizing surveillance through serosurveys and AI-driven spatial mapping

Recent publications (2023–2025) demonstrate strong emphasis on predictive modeling of disease systems, with recurring themes in vaccine design (e.g., recombinant herpesviral vectors), spillover mitigation (e.g., Lassa/Rift Valley fevers), and computational methods (e.g., Bayesian epidemiology, computer vision). Studies consistently integrate evolutionary theory, field data, and public health applications across African and global contexts.

He contributes to collaborative initiatives including the EAGER project on bat-targeted transmissible vaccines and ethnography of zoonotic hotspots. No awards, grants, or advised students are documented.