Meet the students from the College of Public Health and Health Professions, a diverse group dedicated to improving health and well-being in communities around the world. These students come from various backgrounds, united by their passion for health and their commitment to making a positive impact. They bring unique perspectives and experiences to their studies, preparing to become the next generation of health professionals who will address pressing health challenges and advance their field.
Meet: Thanaporn Thongthum
Program: Public Health, Ph.D., One Health concentration
Educational Background: Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biosciences from Duke Kunshan University
What are your research interests?
- Environmental determinants of evolution of zoonosis
- Anthropogenic and ecological effects on zoonosis
- Climate change and the emergence/circulation of zoonotic diseases
- Surveillance, prevention, and control of antimicrobial resistance
Why did you choose the University of Florida?
I chose the University of Florida because of the advanced degree and training opportunities in One Health, professional development opportunities at Emerging Pathogens Institute, and prospect of research projects in my home region, Southeast Asia.
What research experience do you have?
- Systematic review of the circulation of swine pathogens in China
- Systematic review of reverse zoonotic transmission (zooanthropozoonosis)
- Review of molecular, structural, and evolutionary analysis of SARS-CoV-2
- Association between hypertension and secondhand smoking effect in American adults
- Self-reported health problems, health-seeking behaviors, social supports among rural elders in Galle district, Sri Lanka
What philosophy guides you in your education?
“Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in” – Bill Bradley
If you could solve one environmental or global health problem, what would it be?
I would solve inadequate access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene in developing countries.
What are your career goals?
My career goal is to become a One Health expert with a special focus on zoonotic diseases and the climate crisis. To achieve this, I aspire to deepen my knowledge in surveillance, prevention, and control of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance in the context of climate change. In addition, I want to advance my understanding of social and environmental determinants of infectious diseases and resistance to climate crisis in developing countries.
Want to learn more?
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