Asli Aslan

Asli Aslan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Environmental Health Sciences at the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University. She serves as the Director of the Institute for Water and Health and holds affiliate roles with the Georgia Coastal Research Council, the James H. Oliver Jr. Institute for Coastal Plain Science, and the Institute for Interdisciplinary STEM Education. Her research bridges ecosystem and human health, focusing on microbial source tracking, health risk assessment of water resources, and the ecology of pathogens in aquatic environments.

Her educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Physical Oceanography and Marine Biology, Istanbul University (2008)
• M.Sc. in Physical Oceanography and Marine Biology, Istanbul University (2002)
• B.Sc. in Biology, Istanbul University (1999)

Dr. Aslan's research interests span environmental health sciences, water quality, microbial source tracking, antibiotic resistance in wastewater, rapid microbial detection technologies, and public perception of water safety. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to clean water and sanitation, good health, and sustainable communities.

Her recent publications highlight trends in wastewater-based epidemiology, community-based health interventions in rural areas, microbial contamination in drinking and recreational waters, and the development of rapid detection methods for fecal indicators. These works reflect a strong interdisciplinary approach combining environmental microbiology, public health, and community engagement.

She has received multiple scientific grants from organizations including the National Science Foundation, NOAA, and the Evans County CARES Foundation. Notably, she is Principal Investigator on projects such as 'RaMP: Mentoring and Research Opportunities for Careers in Coastal Science' and 'What’s in Your Water: The State of Drinking Water Quality in Evans County.'

Dr. Aslan is actively involved in professional service, currently serving as co-chair of the Water and Health Committee of the American Public Health Association and advising various state and federal agencies. She has mentored numerous students and professionals in water science and public health, contributing to workforce development in environmental health.

She leads the Institute for Water and Health, which conducts interdisciplinary research involving environmental education, public health, social sciences, and engineering. The institute focuses on community-based research, water stewardship, and developing rapid testing methods for pathogens in water systems.