COVID-19 Communication Networks

Our lab worked on a project funded by the Sloan Foundation to build communication networks and tools to aid in the adoption of effective wastewater surveillance programs in interested municipalities. With collaborators in engineering, science communication, and public health, we developed a communication model for translating surveillance data into public health action. This project drew on nationwide expertise, with collaborators at NYU, Notre Dame, Stanford, and UW-Madison, and specifically focuses on applying knowledge gained in Wisconsin to develop capacity for SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance in New York City.

Wastewater Surveillance Program in Wisconsin

Our lab and the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene worked together to establish a SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance program in Wisconsin. Wastewater measurements reflect infection burden at a community-wide scale. By setting up a surveillance program, we can provide local public health agencies information about community-wide trends in virus burden – is it increasing or decreasing before these changes manifest at the hospitals. Our groups are now examining additional targets for the surveillance network, including antibiotic resistant bacteria.