Current Gordon Group Members

Aubree Gordon, PhD MPH

Faculty profileTwitter: @AubreeGordonPhD

I am a Professor in the Department of Epidemiology in the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan. My area of expertise is in infectious disease epidemiology, with particular emphasis on the epidemiology of influenza and arboviral diseases. I have extensive experience in setting up and performing large prospective cohort studies and community-based transmission studies, including our two current influenza field studies in Nicaragua. 

Faculty

Abram Wagner, PhD MPH

(Nicaragua studies)

Faculty profile; Twitter; Google Scholar; ResearchGate

I study predictors of vaccine-preventable disease incidence, with a particular focus on vaccine hesitancy. My research characterizes the pathways between public health messaging and the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases. Within the Gordon group, I study effectiveness of influenza vaccination (particularly one-dose, or partial, vaccination) in a pediatric cohort.

Andrew Brouwer, PhD MS MA

(Nicaragua studies)

brouweaf@umich.edu Faculty profile; Google Scholar

I develop and use the tools of mathematical and computational epidemiology to enhance our understanding of the complex patterns and dynamics that underlie disease data and the implications for public health practice. I work on a wide range of topics (mostly related to infectious diseases and cancer prevention) using an array of computational, mathematical, and statistical tools. My collaboration with the Gordon lab aims to understand the patterns and mechanisms that underlie viral titer trajectories.

Postdocs and PhD Students

Greg Hoy, BA

MD-PhD student

(Nicaragua studies)

ghoy@umich.edu; LinkedIn; Twitter 

I am broadly interested in infectious disease epidemiology, global health, and the intersection between epidemiologic data and clinical decision-making. I am currently working to characterize the distribution and temporal patterns of the clinical signs and symptoms of influenza  in Nicaraguan children.

Katie Lindsey, MPH

 PhD student

(IASO)

klindz@umich.edu; LinkedIn 

My background is in global public health and teaching primary intervention workshops in Sierra Leone. Currently, my research interests are in infectious disease epidemiology, vaccine-preventable diseases, and immunology.

"What a perfect time to be studying that!" - Everyone 

Jose Victor Zambrana, MPH

 PhD student

(Nicaragua studies)

Research Staff

Brad Carlson, MPH

Research Administration

(All studies)

bcarlson at umich.edu; Linkedin; ResearchGate; Google Scholar

Brad Carlson earned his BS and MPH from the University of Michigan.  He is currently a Research Manager for the Gordon Research Group and provides study management and coordination support for multiple projects within the group. Brad has worked providing study and data management support for multiple international and domestic projects within the School of Public Health since 2010.

Prior to joining the University, Brad had worked for the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) Communicable Disease Division from 1998 to 2010 and worked on development and implementation of the Michigan Disease Surveillance System, novel surveillance systems, such as syndromic surveillance, and the integration of public health surveillance with health informatics programs within the state. 

Hannah E. Maier, PhD MPH

Infectious Disease Epidemiologist

(Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 studies)

maierh@umich.edu ; Google Scholar; LinkedIn; Twitter: @hannahemaier 

I research influenza and SARS-CoV-2, using data from our studies in Nicaragua and IASO, and have been in the Gordon group since 2015 (for my PhD and posdoc).  Also did my MPH here.

For fun, I enjoy gardening and recently got chickens.

Theresa Kowalski-Dobson, MPH

IASO program manager

(IASO)

Theresa is the program manager for the IASO study. She earned her MPH from the University of Michigan School of Public Health in 2015. Prior to joining the Gordon Lab Group, she managed a variety of behavioral health studies at the School of Public Health and Michigan Medicine. 

Outside of work, Theresa is an avid gardener, enjoys exploring Ann Arbor's parks, and loves to bake. 

Anna Buswinka, MPH

IASO study coordinator

(IASO)

I earned my MPH from Michigan State University in 2022. I've worked on several other studies varying from multiple sclerosis research to early childhood development, but my current research interests are in infectious disease epidemiology and neuroepidemiology. Outside of work, I enjoy gardening and taking my dog to the dog park.

Michael La Bella, BAA

Project/Administrative Coordinator

(MCIDT)

Michael is the project/administrative coordinator for the Michigan Center for Infectious Disease Threats. Michael joined the Gordon Research Group in October, 2023. He earned a Bachelor's in Entrepreneurship from Central Michigan University. Prior to joining the group, Michael worked as the administrative coordinator in the office of advancement at Georgetown University. 

Outside of work, Michael is a musician who enjoys writing, recording, and playing music live. He also loves spending time with his wife and little dog Bella. 

Erik Rausch, MPH

Research Staff

        (IASO)

linkedin.com/in/erik-rausch-5988461b9 

I earned an MPH in General Epidemiology, at The University of Michigan in 2024 and I am passionate about infectious diseases and disease surveillance. I also enjoy the challenge of learning new skills in data management and analysis. In my free time I play hockey and make music. I am a die-hard fan of all Detroit sports.


Sarah (Hyunsu) Lee, MS

Research Staff 

(IASO)

During my Masters program, my research was focused on mechanistic study of Viperin, which is an interferon stimulated gene induced by various virus infection. I am excited to learn more about infection and transmission of prevalent viruses such as COVID-19 and Influenza, and wish to contribute to the development of vaccines against these viruses. During free time, I like to check out new cafes in the area (I love coffee!). I also like to check out different nurseries in the area and taking care of my plants :) 

Data Managers

Lora Campredon, MPH

(Nicaraguan pediatric influenza cohort study)

Lora is a data manager primarily responsible for the Infant Immunity/DIVINCI study. She earned her MPH from the University of Michigan, working as a study coordinator in Epidemiology until 2019 when she joined the Gordon lab. Prior to discovering a love of public health, Lora worked with Engineering World Health and Duke University, training college students and hospital technicians to repair donated medical equipment in resource-poor settings. 

Abigail Shotwell, MPH

(Household influenza cohort study)

shotwe@umich.edu 

I joined the Gordon Research Group in the summer of 2021 as a data manager. My work with the group focuses on the Nica studies, primarily the household study. I have a background in microbiology and epidemiology, including several laboratory-focused positions. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, traveling, and creating embroidery designs (a hobby I picked up during the pandemic). 

Zijin Chu, MPH

(Nicaraguan pediatric dengue study & IASO)

I earned my MPH in General Epidemiology at the University of Michigan with a graduate certificate in Data Science. I joined the Gordon Research Group in summer 2021. As a data manager, I will focus on the Pediatric Dengue Cohort Study. 

Ashley Eckard, MS

(IASO)

Ashley earned her MS in Biostatistics from Grand Valley State University. She joined the Gordon Research Group in November 2021 and primarily works on the IASO study as a data manager. She is also a senior analyst at the University of Michigan Kidney Epidemiology and Cost Center.

Lonnie Barnes, MS

(IASO)

Lonnie earned his MS in Geography from Michigan State University in 2018. He joined the Gordon Group in May 2022 as a data manager. He is also an analyst at the University of Michigan Kidney Epidemiology and Cost Center since 2018.

Alli Seeley, MPH

(Infant Immunity/DIVINCI study)

Alli Seeley, MPH

(Infant Immunity/DIVINCI study)

Alli joined the Gordon Research Group in October 2023 and is a data manager involved with the Infant Immunity/DIVINCI study. In 2023, Alli completed her MPH in General Epidemiology at the University of Michigan. Previously, she received a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Kettering University. Outside of work, Alli enjoys pilates, yoga, and spending time with her cats.   

Boshu Chen, MPH

(A2CARES)

Boshu joined the Gordon Research Group as a Data Manager in November 2023, primarily focusing on A2CARES and other studies. He earned his MPH in General Epidemiology from the University of Michigan after finishing his medical degree. In his free time, Boshu enjoys learning about humanities and new technologies.

Lab Technicians

Bekki Tutino, PhD

(IASO)

Gabriel Simjanovski, MS

(IASO)

I am primarily interested in the transmission and immunopathological mechanisms associated with respiratory viruses such as Coronaviruses, Influenza, and RSV. I am also intrigued in intestinal virus transmission/pathogenicity, specifically Norovirus, where effective vaccines have proven difficult to develop. Finally, I take interest in Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), especially those spread by insect vectors, and what can be done to mitigate the spread of these diseases. Outside of science, I enjoy reading books spanning many subjects, exercising, cooking, and watching football and Netflix. I have one cat named Sophie and as my last name suggests, am from Macedonian descent. 

 Joseph Wendzinski, BS

(ELISA, IASO)

Previously worked as the site lead for the asymptomatic COVID-19 testing site at Ross for UM. This sparked my research interest in COVID-19 and other seasonal coronaviruses in general. Also very interested in the Nicaragua influenza study/disease transmission and immunity in other countries. In my free time I enjoy hiking, playing pretty much any sport, and perfecting my geography knowledge. I am also an avid thrifter and run my own resale shop when I'm not hoarding my finds.

May Patel 


Lead Technician (All Studies)

Masters and Undergraduate Students

Christina Kiser

MPH Student (2023-2025)

(VIVA)

I am a second-year MPH student in the General Epidemiology Department. My research interests include infectious disease, antibiotic resistance, and social epidemiology. I graduated from Bard College in 2022 with a B.A. in Biology and have worked as a microbiology research technician since. In my free time, I love watching basketball, hiking, and baking. 

Ashna Patel

Undergraduate student (2020-2024)

I am an undergraduate student in Biology, Health, and Society. My research interests include epidemiology and infectious diseases around the world. Specifically, how these diseases impact the populations in which they affect. In my free time I enjoy traveling, reading, and spending time with friends and family. 

Amber Brewer

MPH student (2023-2025)

(IASO)

I am an MPH student in General Epidemiology with research interests in infectious disease and social epidemiology. My primary interests are coronaviruses, HIV and STIs, and pregnancy and birth. In my free time I enjoy reading, traveling, camping, and collecting records.

Ellen Beach

MPH student (2023-2025)

(pcr data)

I started with the Gordon group in summer of 2023 after graduating from Loyola University Chicago with a BS in Public Health. I am part of the Hospital and Molecular Epidemiology MPH program. My research interests include infectious diseases and global health. I also enjoy painting, playing rugby, and spending time with my cats.

Jillian Grace

MPH student (2023-2025)

(lab)

I am an MPH student in Hospital and Molecular Epidemiology with research interests in disease transmission, respiratory viruses (i.e. RSV, coronavirus), and infectious disease control and prevention. In my free time, I enjoy reading, running, and exploring local restaurants. 

Isabel Gilbertson

MPH student (2023-2025)

(IASO)

Hi there, my name is Isabel and I am an MPH Global Health Epidemiology student with research interests in infectious disease, immunity, and disaster relief within global health settings. I graduated from Seattle University in 2022 with a B.S. in Psychology before moving to Hanoi, Vietnam for a year to conduct an independent research project on Vietnamese university students' mental health following the height of the pandemic. Outside of school, I enjoy cooking, hiking, painting, and spending time with friends and family. 

Ethan Hall

Undergraduate student (2020-2024)

(IASO)

I am currently an undergraduate student at U of M studying biology. My research interests include COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses. I also have interests in public health surveillance and clinical impacts of research. In my free time, I enjoy riding my bike, reading, and cooking Polish/Ukrainian cuisine.