In Spring 2025, the Department of Mathematics hosted a hands-on workshop titled “Exploring the Interplay Between Malaria and Economic Growth,” bringing together undergraduate and high school students for an immersive experience at the intersection of mathematics, public health and economics.
Co-organized by Professors Calistus Ngonghala (UF), Olivia Prosper (University of Tennessee; UF Ph.D. 2012 under the supervision of Professor Maia Martcheva), and Ruijun Zhao (Minnesota State University, Mankato), the four-day workshop offered students a unique opportunity to engage with real-world applications of mathematical modeling. Participants represented institutions such as Harvard University, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Tennessee and Oxford College of Emory, alongside UF students.
Malaria, a vector-borne disease that disproportionately affects the world’s poorest regions, presents complex challenges that extend beyond public health to economic development and policymaking. The workshop guided students through these challenges using mathematical models to understand and simulate the dynamic relationship between disease burden and economic growth.
The program combined lectures, lab sessions and collaborative group projects. Expert contributions from Professors Ngonghala, Prosper, Zhao and Dr. Charles Mbogo (Kenya Medical Research Institute) provided scientific and field-based perspectives on malaria control strategies. Graduate student mentors Hemaho Taboe (UF), Madison Pratt (UT Knoxville) and undergraduate mentor Meegan Sin (UF) provided guidance during the hands-on sessions, where students applied their learning to develop simulations and policy insights.
Beyond technical skills, the workshop offered career development and mentorship opportunities. Panel discussions featuring Professors Konstantina Christodoulopoulou, Michael Jury, Maia Martcheva and Libin Rong offered valuable insights into academic pathways, graduate school preparation and careers in mathematical biology. One-on-one mentoring sessions allowed students to explore their individual interests and goals.
The workshop was supported by a National Science Foundation grant led by Professor Ngonghala, along with funding from the UF Mathematics, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the UF Office of Research. This support covered travel and accommodations for non-UF students, ensuring broad participation and fostering a collaborative learning environment.
By the end of the program, students presented their findings, demonstrating not only their grasp of mathematical techniques but also their ability to apply these tools to real-world challenges. The workshop underscored that combating diseases like malaria requires more than medical interventions — it demands interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative thinking and the analytical power of mathematics.