Ravi Chandra Thota holds a master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). Currently enrolled in the doctoral program in computer science with a co-discipline in bioinformatics, Ravi Chandra has been selected for the modeling of infectious diseases CDC predoctoral program. In his role, he contributes to the research team by collecting real-time indoor location data and developing computational models of healthcare-associated disease spread within hospitals. Ravi Chandra aims to acquire a diverse set of computational and analytical skills through this fellowship, enhancing his future career and research capabilities. His aspiration is to become a professor and contribute significantly to the field. Email: rtty5@umsystem.edu 

Sarawat Murtaza Sara received her master’s degree in Computer Science from University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). She has been selected for the modeling of infectious diseases CDC predoctoral program. Sara is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in computer science with a co-discipline in bioinformatics. She will assist the research team in collecting real-time data and developing computational models of healthcare-associated disease spread within hospitals and nursing homes.  She is hoping that by participating in this fellowship, she will be able to learn a variety of computational and analytical skills that will be beneficial for her future career and research abilities. email: smtn8@umkc.edu 

 Kiel Corkran is current graduate student working on a Master of Science in statistics from the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). He is planning on starting work toward a PhD in Biostatics and Health Informatics from UMKC as well starting in Fall 2023.   Kiel has been selected as predoctoral fellow engaging in infectious disease modeling research. He will help the research team to develop a new generation of mathematical and statistical models to better responds to outbreaks of infectious disease. He hopes that by doing this fellowship and obtaining a PhD in Bioinformatics, he will gain significant experiences, collaborations, and skills necessary for a successfully career in infectious disease modeling research.  email: kcbch@umkc.edu 

 Julia Pluta is in her third year as an interdisciplinary Ph.D. student at University of Missouri-Kansas City, with a primary discipline of Mathematics (Statistics emphasis) and a co-discipline of Social Science. She previously earned a Master of Arts in Information Science and Learning Technology from University of Missouri-Columbia, and a B.A. in Mathematics & History and a J.D. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She has been selected as a predoctoral fellow to study socioeconomic and racial disparities and issues in health equity related to the spread of COVID-19. In addition to working with the teams to develop models that analyze how COVID-19 and other diseases spread in nursing homes, hospitals, and among disadvantaged populations, she hopes to use this data to identify and advocate for measures to move towards more equitable health outcomes. Overall, her scholarship goals are geared towards promoting equity across all aspects of life through law, policy, and technology. email: plutaj@umkc.edu 

 Arash Arjmand is currently pursuing a Ph.D. degree in Mathematics with a co-discipline in Bioinformatics at the University of Missouri- Kansas City (UMKC). He has been selected as a predoctoral fellow in the mathematical modeling of infectious diseases. Arash earned his master’s degree in Mathematics from UMKC. He has experiences in mathematical modeling and analysis including a novel mathematical model of anxiety spread among college students. In addition, Arash has a master’s degree in Social Science Research from Tehran University where he conducted research on HIV patients. He is passionate about healthcare research and excited about developing and applying mathematical models of infectious diseases. email: aymbb@mail.umkc.edu