Kirsten E. Wiens, PhD

Infectious disease epidemiologist

My research focuses on using seroepidemiology, spatial analysis, and disease modeling to better understand infectious disease burden even when we don't have perfect surveillance data.

Featured work

Systematic review & meta-analysis of cholera positivity

We estimated that half of medically attended suspected cholera cases represent true V. cholerae infections, after accounting for study methods and imperfect diagnostic tests. This fraction varies widely across epidemiological settings.

SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in Juba

I led the analysis for a SARS-CoV-2 serosurvey conducted by the Ministry of Health and WHO in Juba, South Sudan, finding high seroprevalence and the need to validate serological tests in mild infections and in local populations.

In-person schooling, vaccination, and COVID-19 risk

By examining changes in schooling behavior, vaccination, and household COVID-19 risk during spring semester 2021 in the U.S., we found that vaccination and layered mitigation measures in schools are essential for reducing COVID-19 risk.

Serological markers of cholera susceptibility

I led a comprehensive analysis of serum correlates of protection against V. cholerae infection and symptoms, identifying many novel correlates among cohorts in Bangladesh and the U.S., none of which were associated with complete protection.

Mapping geographic variation in childhood diarrhea

As the primary modeler for this project, I estimated childhood diarrhea burden in low- and middle-income countries using survey data and covariates related to child and environmental health in geostatistical models .

Tracking disparities in diarrhea treatment with ORS

I led work that compared patterns in diarrhea mortality and treatment with oral rehydration salts (ORS), identifying vulnerable locations in countries such as Colombia where diarrhea mortality is high and ORS coverage is low.

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