Table of Contents
- Letter from the Chair
- Grants and Awards
- Presentations
- Publications
- Research
- Tufts Wildlife Clinic
- Featured Community
- Student Corner
- Recent Events
- Updates & Reminders
- Wellness Corner
- Submissions
Letter from the Chair
Dear All, Every now and then something comes up that marks the passage of time in a way that is slightly different than the calendar on the wall. I recently had a chance to reflect on that as my 5 year term as Chair of our Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health is up for renewal. There is no doubt that we are in a much different place than we were when I initially stepped in as interim at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic and I have no doubt we’ll be in a different place five years from now. It is also clear that the decisions and actions we take that are under our control will play a strong role in charting the path we take. This is already playing out in the changes we see about the campus both physically and in the work we do. As part of the campus plans, some of our department, including Allen Rutberg and his team have migrated across campus to the Admin building and we’ll soon be seeing signs of the new classroom building’s impending construction - hopefully a harbinger of things to come. Read more in the newsletter below about the latest department work in research, teaching and service that are carrying us forward. I also hope everyone has enjoyed the winter weather we’ve had if you like to partake in winter activities. The holiday party back in December was a great way to celebrate and kick into winter mode. If you’re pining for Spring, take heart that time will continue to fly and I look forward to seeing you all at our Spring picnic and in between now and then. Cheers, Jon
Grants & Awards
Hellen Amuguni, B.V.M., M.A., Ph.D., was given a three-year award from the Cummings Foundation to support the One Health Collaborative, an initiative focused on advancing interdisciplinary One Health research and implementing sustainable, community-centered interventions at the human–animal–environment interface. The award will also support the expansion of the International One Health Fellowship Program and the One Health for Kids project. This investment will create transformative opportunities for students, fellows, and faculty to reimagine public health through field-based research, clinical service, and community-level policy engagement-generating tangible impact in under-resourced settings. This award went into effect in January 2026.
Felicia Nutter, D.V.M., Ph.D., DAZCM received seed funding from the Fletcher School, along with her Co-PI Karen Jacobsen, for their Research Interest Group on approaches to countering integrated wildlife and human trafficking. Their goal is development of a center, the TRACE Center: Technology, Rights, Antitrafficking, Conservation, and Enforcement.
Amanda Martinot, D.V.M., M.P.H., Ph.D., DACVP, received an award: "R21 NIAID: Spatial multi-omics to predict granuloma trajectory and bacterial restriction during vaccination." Major goals include using novel technology in spatial profiling to interrogate how granulomas restrict bacterial replication following vaccination and to develop multi-omics model to correlate tissue level responses to peripheral markers of vaccine efficacy.
Presentations
Amanda Martinot, D.V.M., M.P.H., Ph.D., DACVP, gave a Cummings School Seminar on Friday, December 12th from 3-4PM in the AVA titled "Mapping Microbes: From Genetic Screens to Spacial Biology in Vaccine Development for Mycobacterium tuberculosis."
Jonathan Runstadler, M.S., D.V.M., Ph.D. gave an invited seminar to the University of Washington Department of Comparative Medicine on January 27th entitled “Exploring the Wild Side of Influenza.”
Yi-Pin Lin, M.S., Ph.D., gave the three presentations below at the Gordon Conference on the Biology of Spirochetes in Pomona, CA from January 18-23:
- "Explore the immune factors differentiating Lyme borreliae-competent wild birds."
- "Rational adjuvant selection for a durable, memory-driven Lyme disease vaccine."
- "Complement as an evolutionary driver for host adaptation by vector-microbe synergy."
Hellen Amuguni, B.V.M., M.A., Ph.D. was invited by the World Bank as a speaker at the Regional One Health Conference for Eastern and Southern Africa, held in Lusaka, Zambia, on December 11-12, 2025. The conference was a high-level, cross-sectoral ministerial gathering hosted by the Government of Zambia and co-organized by the World Bank, Southern African Development Community (SADC), the World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the World Organization for Animal Health under the Quadripartite One Health framework. Her session was titled “Healthy Jobs, Healthy People: Youth, Skills, and a Healthy Workforce for One Health Resilience.”
Publications
From the research group of Hellen Amuguni, B.V.M., M.A., Ph.D., and Evan Griffith, Ph.D. Candidate: Stakeholder priorities and conceptualization of One Health: Insights from fuzzy cognitive mapping and grounded theory (PLoS One. March 2026)
From the research group of Marieke Rosenbaum, D.V.M., M.P.H., M.S., and Fernando Vilchez-Delgado: Health Status and Pathogen Surveillance in Free-Ranging Nancy Ma's Night Monkeys (Aotus nancymaae) along the Amazonian Tri-Border Region (J Wildl Dis., February 2026)
From the research group of Heidi Goethert, M.S., Sc.D., and Sam Telford III, Sc.D.: Evidence for Powassan virus deletions and defective RNA in field-collected ticks (J Virol., January 2026)
From the research group of Heidi Goethert, M.S., Sc.D., and Sam Telford III, Sc.D.: Xenodiagnosis to search for Borrelia burgdorferi after antibiotic treatment of Lyme disease: a prospective cohort study (Clin Infect Dis., January 2026)
From Adam South, Ph.D.: Accuracy of Plain Digital Radiography for the Detection of Gastrointestinal Masses in Dogs and Cats (Animals [Basel]., January 2026)
From the research group of Sam Telford III, Sc.D.: Hygromycin A Treatment of Borrelia burgdorferi-Infected Peromyscus leucopus Suggests Potential as a Reservoir-Targeted Antibiotic (J Infect Dis., January 2026)
From the research group of Yi-Pin Lin, M.S., Ph.D., Miranda McCarty, and Sergio Hernández: Develop a durable, memory-driven, CspZ-targeting Lyme disease vaccine by rationale adjuvant selection (bioRxiv, January 2026)
From the research group of Jon Runstadler, M.S., D.V.M., Ph.D., and Wendy Puryear: Impacts of PCBs on grey seal pup immunity and influenza A infection vary across biological scales (Aquat Toxicol., December 2025)
From the research group of Hellen Amuguni, B.V.M., M.A., Ph.D., Felicia Nutter, D.V.M., Ph.D., DACZM, and Jon Gass, Ph.D., MPH: Community Participatory Approach to Design, Test, and Implement Interventions That Reduce Risk of Bat-Borne Disease Spillover: A Case Study from Cambodia (Trop Med Infect Dis., December 2025)
From the research group of Giovanni Widmer, Ph.D., Manasvi Patel, and Debora Regina Romualdo da Silva: Decay of Food DNA in the Gastrointestinal Tract: Implications for Molecular Dietary Records (Nutrients., December 2025)
Research
Tufts Wildlife Clinic
This winter will surely be one to remember--the bitter cold, the mountains of snow, and the wildlife that are affected by this terrible weather. The staff at Tufts Wildlife Clinic were busy at this time last year, and this year is no exception. Extreme cold, wind, and heavy snow can adversely affect wildlife’s ability to find food and stay out of the elements. With heavy snow, the ground is no longer easily accessible. Consistent freezing temperatures cause bodies of water to freeze quickly, leading waterfowl to look harder and travel further to find open water. Admissions of wildlife species such as eastern cottontails and Virginia opossums have increased from the previous year, with injuries related to the cold such as frostbite. When compared to last year, the Wildlife Clinic has seen increases in some waterfowl species such as mallard ducks, who have been found away from water and emaciated. These species must put more effort into finding resources when there are extremely cold temperatures and heavy snow. Despite increases in admissions of waterfowl and seabird species, at this point there has not been a significant increase in cases of avian influenza compared to the previous year. During the same period last year, there were significant outbreaks of HPAI that led to many deaths in certain species, such as Canada geese. All birds that are admitted to the Wildlife Clinic are tested for avian influenza and are moved from an isolation room once results of the test are negative. While HPAI is still circulating and causing illness and death in our wild birds, there have been fewer positive birds admitted to the clinic this winter. The veterinarians and staff at Tufts Wildlife Clinic are doing their best to make all their patients comfortable despite the bad weather. Fresh food, flowing water, and some warmth is doing a lot for the patients in care. With Spring on the way, everyone is excited to be able to see open water and the ground. Please enjoy some pictures of ducks and gulls currently recuperating in the Wildlife Clinic’s pool room:
Featured Community
Adam South, Ph.D.
Assistant Teaching Professor
What do you teach? How do you like to teach?
I have always enjoyed teaching and have been involved in education in one way or another since I was 18 years old. My first formal teaching position was teaching 7th grade and high school biology, a role I held for five years. During the summers, I also led wilderness expeditions for the Voyageur Outward Bound School. Teaching middle school students was a lot of fun—and I quickly realized that we shared a very similar sense of humor—but I had long envisioned becoming a professor, so that chapter of my teaching career was relatively brief. At Cummings School, I teach a variety of courses for students in the MCM, MAPP, and (hopefully returning!) MS programs. Most of these courses focus on statistics, epidemiology, or infectious disease. I also teach DVM students, concentrating on epidemiology, experimental design, and statistics. Across all of these courses, my goal is the same: to help students develop the skills needed to critically evaluate scientific evidence and apply quantitative thinking to real-world problems in veterinary medicine and public health.
What is the best project you’ve worked on at Cummings?
I’ve been fortunate to work on a number of projects with D.V.M. students and to collaborate with clinical faculty on their ongoing research. However, my favorite projects are those I’ve been involved with from the very beginning—from the design stage through implementation. One such project began in 2025, when I had the opportunity to work with a summer research student, April Pandosh (V'27). Together we launched a systematic review of selected veterinary journals to evaluate how completely statistical methods and results are reported in published articles. So far, our findings suggest that reporting often falls short of what we established as a gold standard. Our goal is to develop practical reporting guidelines that veterinary journals can adopt to improve the clarity, transparency, and overall quality of statistical reporting in the field.
What pets do you have?
I have two cats, Alia and Duncan. They are siblings who were born on May 9, 2025. My sons and I adopted them in July 2025 during a trip to visit family in rural Indiana, where I grew up. We met them and quickly realized we couldn’t imagine leaving without them, so they made the trip back to Massachusetts with us. To say that they’ve been a wonderful addition—and a constant source of entertainment—is an understatement.
Miranda McCarty
Senior Research Technician in Yi-Pin Lin Lab
What kind of projects/research are you currently working on?
I am currently working as a research technician in the Lin lab. We study the enzootic cycles of Lyme disease, aiming to understand the mechanisms of host evasion in Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and immune tolerance in avian and rodent hosts. We are also studying various proteins with prophylactic and therapeutic potential in human infections. Last summer, we worked on one of my favorite projects. We performed mist netting here on Cummings School campus to measure the seroprevalence of Lyme disease in local avian populations. While waking up at 4am wasn’t ideal for a night owl like me, having the privilege to handle and collect data from the diverse bird species seen here on campus was such a thrill. This project was also special to me as I’m interested in the ecological and evolutionary side of the Lyme disease system.
How long have you worked at Tufts?
I’ve been in my current position for around 1.5 years, but prior to that I worked as a veterinary assistant at Foster Hospital for Small Animals starting in the fall of 2023. In addition, I graduated from the MCM program in 2022! As you can tell, I have a diverse history with this community, which I like to think encapsulates the multidisciplinary component of our One Health mission here at Tufts. I have also come to appreciate this community as it is filled with such kind and passionate people. In all of these spaces, I’ve found diligent workers that are always willing to lend a helping hand.
What pets do you have?
I adopted my dog, Lilo, when I was an undergraduate in New Orleans. She just turned 9 this year and is some sort of border collie mix. When she was younger and we lived in Colorado, we would go on hikes all the time! She now enjoys snuggling on the couch, especially during a winter as cold as this one. A close friend of mine once described her as having the personality of many different animals, albeit not one of a dog. I personally think she was raised by cats before she was rescued. One of my favorite things about her is that she will sit and patiently wait for me to give her a hug when I get home from work.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I’ve recently gotten into multiplayer video games. I find that playing online with long-distance friends is a fun way to keep in touch. Specifically, my friends and I have had a lot of fun playing Fortnite as a team of Chappell Roans this last week. When I want to spend time outside, I’ll do some birdwatching. There are so many great places to birdwatch in Massachusetts, even Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary is only a few minutes away from my house. Last fall I got to volunteer with local bird banders. I spent my weekends learning how to identify species, determine age through feather molts, and extract birds from the net. I even had the opportunity to help with their Northern Saw-whet owl banding! Hopefully I’ll be able to join them again this spring.
Student Corner
See the faces, backgrounds, and bios of selected students from the MS in Conservation Medicine (MCM) and MS in Animals and Public Policy (MAPP) Programs!
In this quarter, we are featuring Anwen Burwick, Salma Sandoval, Elizabeth Singh, Nevaeh Greenwood, and Nonni Schwartz.
Student Resources
Behavioral Health and Counseling: Cummings School provides students with a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and a Licensed Psychologist. Learn more about the Student Health Services Team here.
AllOne Health (AKA: TalkOne2One Student Assistance Program, Confidential Counseling) provides free and confidential counseling to Tufts students when navigating issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, homesickness, conflict, eating disorders, financial concerns, alcohol/substance abuse, family issues (divorce, illness, etc.), academic/life/work balance, and more. On-site and virtual counseling appointments are available by calling 1-800-756-3124, and are available to all students, 24/7. The online portal can also be found here.
Recent Events
IDGH Holiday Party
The IDGH Holiday Party was held on December 16th, and all within our department were welcome to attend. The party kicked off with a potluck lunch, and there were many delicious options, with something for everyone. After the lunch, the cookie swap took place, and those who brought in cookies swapped with each other before sharing their baked treats with the rest of the party.
The Yankee swap was the final event, and drama ensued. Felicia Nutter picked the bag containing a plush of E. coli (under a microscope) and it's sidekick - a poop plush! Debora Silva stole the cute (or gross) duo, and through the rest of the party, everyone wanted a look at the two plush. Another notable event within the Yankee swap was Roxanne and Roshni's joy for the gifts they got, which they later discovered was a swap with each other's gifts!
Everyone had a really great time catching up, seeing coworkers that they don't often see in different buildings, eating yummy food, getting their hands in E. coli and poop, and celebrating the holiday season together.
Updates & Reminders
Tufts University observes the following paid holidays throughout the year:
- April 20th: Patriot's Day (Monday)
- May 25th: Memorial Day (Monday)
- June 19th: Juneteenth (Friday)
Changes across Cummings Campus
Dean Cribb is planning to make a number of changes across campus, including the building of the new Learning Center, which will include two classrooms that can hold 160 students each. Alongside this, many parts of our campus are moving as we prepare to demolish and build to bring forth his new vision.
Moving to new Building 5 (previously known as CAPP building)
- HR (from Building 15)
- Facilities (from Building 15)
- Capital Programs (from Building 15)
- Campus Planning (from Building 15)
- Auxiliary Services (from Building 15)
- EHS (into the old Occ Health room in the basement)
Moving to Jean Mayer Administration Building
- CAPP/MAPP (from Building 5 aka CAPP building to 2nd floor in previous Admissions suite)
- Bursar (from Building 15 to second floor of Admin)
Moving to Loew Center
- TUPD (Basement)
Welcoming our new employees into IDGH!
Gavin Burkhardt
Research Technician in the Yi-Pin Lin Lab
I'm a lifelong Massachusetts resident and recent graduate from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where I gained experience in both medical microbiology and conservation research. My capstone project focused on the phylogeography and invasion history of North American crayfish, and I'm looking forward to further developing my phylogenetics research expertise in the Lin Lab. Some personal interests of mine: anything sci-fi (some favorites include Andor, The Expanse, and the Thrawn book series), board/card games, D&D, cooking, baking, and trivia of all kinds.
Joshua Houle
Research Technician in the Yi-Pin Lin Lab
Hi everyone! My name is Josh, and I’m excited to be joining the Tufts community as a member of Dr. Lin’s lab. I’m a recent graduate of Colby College, where I majored in biology. While at school, I was a member of the baseball team (where we played Tufts every year, so still getting used to rooting for the Jumbos) and the club hockey team. I was also a part of an all-male A Capella group called the Colby 8, so if you catch me singing to myself in the hallways, there’s my excuse! Since graduating from Colby, I worked at UMass Chan, where my research focused on gene therapy using mouse models to find therapies for genetic diseases. During that time, I gained hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques, animal care, and collaborative research, which really shaped my interest in translational science and team-based work. Outside of the lab, I enjoy staying active, exploring new places, and finding great food spots (recommendations are always welcome). I’m someone who values collaboration and getting to know the people I work with, and I’m excited to connect with everyone here—both professionally and personally—as I settle into Tufts.
Cindy Malone
Ward Attendant in the Tufts Wildlife Clinic
I am Southern born. Migrated to the Midwest during my formative years. The last destination, New England. Along the way, earned a Bachelor degree in Biological Science, and later, a Bachelor degree in Nursing. I’ve held positions as a laboratory technologist in the hospital and university settings. Ultimately I practiced pediatric nursing in various settings. But always, there was a desire to work with wildlife. It has been my lifelong dream. And it seems that all roads have led me here, to Tufts Wildlife Clinic. Once as volunteer in the clinic and now on staff. Dreams really can come true. I enjoy the natural world and hiking. My favorite places to visit, New Orleans and Provincetown. I spend my free time surrounded by family and our companion animals. Each inspire me every day.
Your Timesheet
Remember to use your personal time before the end of the fiscal year in late June! To check your personal time balance, go to eServe and look at your Time Off Information. Additionally, check that your time off balances are accurate in eServe as well so that you can make the most of your earned time off!
Wellness Corner
This Month's KGA Spotlight: Safe in Self, Strong in Community
Exploring what it means to feel safe in our bodies and strong in our communities.
Upcoming KGA Webinar: Finding Safety in Your Body: Listening to the Body’s Signals March 24th @ 1PM This experiential workshop explores how the body communicates through physical sensations, stress responses, and internal cues.
KGA, your Employee Assistance Program, offers free customized resources, in-the-moment emotional support and various professional consultations for you and all adults 18+ in your household - including family, roommates and partners!
- Telephone - (800-648-9557) 24/7 live access
- KGA LifeServices Platform to self-schedule, text/chat, and email
- KGA Mobile App for 24/7 access anywhere (available in Apple and Google Play stores)
The Cummings School Mental Health & Well-being Working Group
The Mental Health & Well-being Working Group has accomplished a variety of great projects over its' 5+ years, notably its' many impactful, helpful, fun, and insightful events, and is recently retired. The group will be remembered as a source of positive impact over Cummings School's culture and community.
Submissions
Evan Griffith's visit to Catalina Island
Evan Griffith shared some pictures from his trip to Avalon on Catalina Island over Christmas break above. He grew up going every summer with his family but hadn't returned in years. Catalina holds a lot of great memories that came back up for him with his recent visit.
Gavin Burkhardt's Pets & Time Outside
Gavin shared this set of photos, introducing us to his dog Cece, as well as his cats, Georgy and Vittoria. He had this to say about the two photos in the bottom right out in the snow: "These two are reminders that life persists despite the cold and snow." Bonus: Does the prickly berry plant among the snow look familiar? We decided to make this photo our cover photo at the very top of this newsletter scroll!
Tracey Glover's Colorful Owl Diamond Art & Dogs
Tracey was recently gifted a diamond art kit that has become her favorite form of art meditation. She finds that it is a low commitment, very relaxing, and has a rewarding end result. Here she displays the very colorful owl diamond artwork she created with the kit. She also included a colorful bonus photo of her pups Nia and Neo.