Eric Nelson, M.D. Ph.D., is a newly appointed assistant professor in the department of EGH and Pediatrics. He is a part of a team of scientist
s that build technologies to improve the health of poor communities in developing countries using a process called human centered design to define challenges and explore sustainable solutions. Currently, their primary challenge is to improve epidemiologic response to infectious disease outbreaks. The research led to the development of the Android-based Rehydration Calculator that automates WHO guidelines for diarrheal disease management which is the second leading cause of death for children less than 5 years of age. This calculator was tested in a pilot study in a Bangladesh setting prone to cholera outbreaks. It is now being expanded to a larger trial. Dr Nelson and his team are excited to join the UF community and build connections across the campus to link up like-minded colleagues committed to improving health outcomes in remote settings.