Heather K. Amato

Heather K. Amato is an Assistant Professor in Global Environmental & Occupational Health at the University of Maryland. As an environmental epidemiologist, her research employs spatial and molecular epidemiology to investigate microbial pathogen transmission through a One Health framework. She evaluates interventions including water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and mass drug administration to combat pathogen spread and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Her work emphasizes environmental pathogen surveillance and integrates community knowledge to identify exposure pathways among vulnerable groups such as mothers, young children, homeless populations, and farmworkers. Current collaborations span Nepal, Benin, India, and the United States. Dr. Amato is accepting PhD students for Fall 2025 admission.