Kacey C. Ernst

Dr. Kacey Ernst is a distinguished Professor of Epidemiology and the Department Chair for Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Arizona. With a career spanning over 17 years at the university, she has made significant contributions to the field of epidemiology, particularly in the study and control of infectious diseases. Dr. Ernst's academic journey began at the University of Michigan, where she earned her MPH and PhD in Epidemiology, Global Health. Her research primarily focuses on vector-borne diseases, including malaria, dengue, and Zika. She is dedicated to bridging the gap between academic research and applied public health to develop sustainable solutions for the prevention and control of these diseases. Throughout her career, Dr. Ernst has held various positions that have enriched her expertise and experience. She started as a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Michigan, where she conducted malaria research in the western Kenyan highlands. She then served as an Epidemiologist at the Arizona Department of Health Services before joining the University of Arizona as an Assistant Professor in 2008. Dr. Ernst's work is characterized by her commitment to understanding the environmental determinants of disease transmission and control. Her research projects include examining the use of insecticide-treated bed nets in Kenya and studying the population dynamics of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in relation to dengue transmission in Mexico and Arizona. She collaborates with local health departments to address vaccine-preventable diseases and aims to increase vaccination uptake in Arizona2. In addition to her research, Dr. Ernst is actively involved in teaching and mentoring students. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to public health and education, including the Women of Impact Award from the University of Arizona and the Distinguished Scholar Award. Dr. Ernst's dedication to public health extends beyond her academic roles. She has served as the Bioterrorism Preparedness Coordinator for Waukesha and Milwaukee County, where she developed emergency response plans and collaborated with various health and emergency response professionals. Overall, Dr. Kacey Ernst's career is marked by her passion for epidemiology, her commitment to public health, and her efforts to develop practical solutions for infectious disease prevention and control. Her work continues to make a significant impact on the field and the communities she serves.