On October 25, 2025, Professor Neil F. Tandon was featured as a co-author in a study published in Science of The Total Environment. The research introduced a risk-based framework for climate-informed design storms in road drainage infrastructure, integrating climate projections with socioeconomic, transportation, and environmental data. The study highlights the importance of shifting from static, stationarity-based methods to dynamic, risk-informed approaches to strengthen the long-term resilience of Ontario’s transportation networks. Read More
On October 1, 2025, Professor Jane Heffernan and her colleague Hossein Zivari Piran were featured in the newly published book Trends in Biomathematics: Modeling Health Across Ecology, Social Interactions, and Cells. The book brings together selected papers from the 24th International Symposium on Mathematical and Computational Biology, held in Crete, Greece. Their chapter, Periodicity in an Epidemiological Model of Measles Infection and Immunity, uses mathematical modeling to study how measles outbreaks rise and fall over time. Read More
In September 2025, an article co-authored by Professor Jianhong Wu, together with Y-EMERGE ECN members Yining Chen and Yufeng Wang, was published in the Bulletin of Mathematical Biology titled Evaluating the Intensity of a Potential Yellow Fever Outbreak During an International Trading Event. The study, which used the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, China, as a case study, demonstrated that even a single imported case during favorable climatic conditions could trigger a large outbreak. The findings highlight the urgent need for stronger surveillance and preparedness measures at international gatherings where the risk of disease importation is high. Read more
Archived Research & Publications & Grants
2025
- On September 16, 2025, Professor Jianhong Wu was featured as a co-author in an arXiv preprint introducing a new PDE-based Bayesian hierarchical model for analyzing the spread of COVID-19 across the United States. The study extended diffusion-reaction approaches with an advection term to better capture intra-state spread patterns. The authors concluded that their model was robust to certain misspecifications and outperformed alternative approaches in simulations. Read More
- In September 2025, Professor Huaiping Zhu was featured as a co-author in a study published in Applied Mathematical Modelling. The article, Modelling for assessing the compulsory vaccination strategy against highly pathogenic avian influenza in a poultry farm of China, developed a data-driven transmission model to evaluate the effectiveness of China’s national mandatory vaccination plan for HPAI. The findings show that while vaccination significantly reduces mortality, high virus transmissibility can still lead to major losses, underscoring the need for regular monitoring, vaccine evaluation, and stronger farm biosecurity measures. Read More
- On August 12, 2025, Professor Jude Dzevela Kong was featured as a co-author in an SSRN study on Ethiopia’s preparedness for an Mpox outbreak. The research revealed major gaps in diagnostic capacity, contingency planning, staff training, and resources, underscoring the urgent need for stronger disease surveillance systems. Read More
- On July 31, 2025, a study co-authored by Professor Maleknaz Nayebi was published in the Journal of Systems and Software (JSS) titled Extension Decisions in Open-Source Software Ecosystem. The study highlights how a small set of first-mover Actions drives most subsequent forks and extensions, providing developers and practitioners with data-driven insights on timing, innovation, and reducing redundancy in software ecosystems. Read More
- On July 30, 2025, Professor Huaiping Zhu was featured as a co-author in a study published in the International Journal of Medical Informatics. The research introduced an interpretable machine learning model for assessing the risk of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) using routine non-imaging clinical data from nearly 1,500 participants. The model achieved strong performance and was built on ten simple health features such as age, BMI, fasting glucose, and diastolic blood pressure. Read More
- On July 29, 2025, Professor Maleknaz Nayebi was featured in COMPSAC 2025, co-authoring a paper on the role of foundational models in patient-centric e-health systems. The study highlighted that “as AI becomes more embedded in healthcare, understanding its maturity is essential for trust, transparency, and real-world impact.” The findings revealed that while large language models are being used to extract and assess AI functionality, more than 86% of these applications remain in early stages of AI maturity. Read More
- On July 31, 2025, Professor Maleknaz Nayebi was featured as a co-author in a study published in the Journal of Systems and Software (JSS) titled Extension Decisions in Open-Source Software Ecosystem. The study highlights how a small set of first-mover Actions drives most subsequent forks and extensions, providing developers and practitioners with data-driven insights on timing, innovation, and reducing redundancy in software ecosystems. Read More
- On July 30, 2025, Professor Huaiping Zhu was featured as a co-author in a study published in the International Journal of Medical Informatics. The research introduced an interpretable machine learning model for assessing the risk of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) using routine non-imaging clinical data from nearly 1,500 participants. The model achieved strong performance and was built on ten simple health features such as age, BMI, fasting glucose, and diastolic blood pressure. The study provides a practical early screening tool for CSVD, especially valuable in settings where MRI access is limited. Read More
- On July 29, 2025, Professor Maleknaz Nayebi was featured in COMPSAC 2025, co-authoring a paper on the role of foundational models in patient-centric e-health systems. The study highlighted that “as AI becomes more embedded in healthcare, understanding its maturity is essential for trust, transparency, and real-world impact.” Moreover, the findings revealed that while large language models are being used to extract and assess AI functionality in over 100 health apps, more than 86% of these applications remain in early stages of AI maturity. Read More
- In July 2025, Professor Cary Wu was featured in the Oxford University Press volume The Social Acceptance of Inequality: On the Logics of a More Unequal World, with a chapter exploring political trust and inequality in China. In this chapter, Professor Wu explores why Chinese citizens—despite living in one of the world’s most unequal societies—demonstrate a high tolerance for income inequality. He argues that strong political trust fosters system justification beliefs, leading individuals to view existing economic arrangements as fair and legitimate. Read More
- On July 6, 2025, SSRN published a co-authored paper by Dr. Jude Dzevela Kong titled “Mapping the Digital One Health Paradigm.” The study examines how digital technologies are transforming the One Health field, which encompasses the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Using bibliometric analysis, the research highlights key emerging trends, including AI-driven disease surveillance, mobile mental health tools, and genomic tracking. It also identifies future priorities such as biosafety for frontline health workers and promoting digital equity in low-resource settings. Read More
- On June 30, 2025, Professor Yvonne Su co-authored a publication in Global Networks, examining South–South queer forced migration among LGBTQ+ Venezuelans in northern Brazil during COVID-19. The authors highlighted how marginalized migrants relied on bridging and linking social capital—such as NGOs—due to strained family ties, revealing gaps in humanitarian systems. Read More
- On June 11, 2025, Professor Jude Dzevela Kong co-authored a publication in Frontiers in Public Health. This interdisciplinary study used statistical and spatial analysis to demonstrate how the Jane and Finch community faced significantly higher COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and mortality rates. It also identified gaps in vaccination uptake and healthcare access, offering critical recommendations for improving equity in pandemic preparedness and response. Read More
- In June 2025, Professor Jianhong Wu was featured in the SIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics. The paper introduces a mathematical model that incorporates natural killer (NK) cell dynamics and immune impairment into HIV infection processes. This work advances understanding of immune responses in HIV and highlights the potential role of NK cells in controlling infection. Read More
- In May 2025, Professor Hassan Qudrat-Ullah published his latest book, Understanding the Dynamics of Nuclear Power and the Reduction of CO₂ Emissions, through Springer. The book offers a systems thinking perspective on how nuclear energy can contribute to decarbonization, presenting simulation models, policy insights, and comparative analyses across global contexts. It explores the intricate balance between energy demand, environmental goals, and public acceptance, offering guidance for decision-makers navigating the transition to low-carbon energy systems. Read More
- On May 19, 2025, Y-EMERGE Members, Qi Deng, Woldegebriel Assefa Woldegerima, Ali Asgary, Jude Dzevela Kong, and Jianhong Wu were featured in PLOS Computational Biology for their co-authored study on mpox virus transmission and treatment dynamics. The article explores how different infection routes—such as sexual and skin-to-skin contact—affect viral behaviour and infectiousness. The team’s mathematical modelling highlights the importance of early antiviral treatment, particularly for immunocompromised individuals. Read More
- On May 13, 2025, Professor Yvonne Su was featured in the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction for her co-authored article, “COVID-19 and Urban Poor Communities in Metro Manila: Social Vulnerability and the ‘Pasaway’.” The article examines how the Philippine government's militarized response to the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted socially vulnerable urban poor communities. The study highlights how narratives branding quarantine violators as “pasaway”—or undeserving poor—further deepened inequality and hindered access to social protection. Read More
- On May 1, 2025, Professor Cary Wu was featured in The Social Science Journal for his article, "Suicides in China's Scientific Community: A Call for a Public Health Response." In this article, Professor Wu and his colleagues address the alarming rise in suicides among scientists in China. They argue that these tragedies are not isolated incidents but symptoms of broader systemic issues, including extreme work pressure, rigid hierarchies, and mental health stigma. The article urges policymakers, institutions, and the public to recognize academic suicide as a public health crisis and to develop coordinated mental health support systems for researchers. Read More
- On April 25, 2025, Professor Jude Dzevela Kong was featured as a coauthor in a new paper published on SSRN, titled "Shifting from Margins to Momentum of the Global South Leadership in Responsible Artificial Intelligence Solutions for Health: Lessons from the UNGA79 Science Summit.." The study discusses how spatial indicators can provide critical early warnings of approaching regime shifts in complex systems. He highlighted that understanding these signals could play a vital role in mitigating societal and environmental risks. Read More
- On April 10, 2025, Professors Jude Dzevela Kong and Woldegebriel Assefa Woldegerima, both Y-EMERGE members, were featured as co-authors in SSRN for their publication “Forecasting COVID-19 Indicators Using Spatial and Temporal Deep Learning Models.” The study explores the use of advanced deep-learning techniques to enhance the accuracy of COVID-19 trend forecasting across different regions. It underscores the potential of AI-driven models in supporting data-informed decision-making during public health emergencies. Read More
- On April 10, 2025, Professor Jude Dzevela Kong was featured as a co-author in SSRN, contributing to the publication “Hierarchical Spatial Models for Pandemic Early Warning and Resource Allocation: A Case Study of COVID-19 in South Africa.” The study presents innovative spatial modeling approaches to strengthen early warning systems and improve resource allocation during public health crises. It highlights the value of incorporating geographic variability into pandemic preparedness strategies. Read More
- On April 4, 2025, a recent publication in BMC Medical Ethics featured Professor Aijun An as a co-author in a comprehensive scoping review on bias in artificial intelligence (AI) models used in healthcare. The paper critically examines how bias can influence outcomes in AI-driven health systems and calls for stronger ethical safeguards to ensure equity and accountability. The study contributes to the ongoing dialogue around responsible AI development in medical contexts. Read More
- On March 20, 2025, Professor Eric Kennedy, was featured in a York University announcement about a new research project funded by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). The project, “Understanding and Improving Wildfire Mitigation Partnerships with Local Governments,” aims to help communities strengthen their wildfire resilience. The project will address challenges in wildfire mitigation and develop solutions to enhance preparedness across Canada. Read more
- On March 17, 2025, Professor Evalyna Bogdan and Elaine Miller-Karas. were featured in the Student Handbook on Field Education, published by the University of Calgary Press. Their chapter, Trauma- and Resilience-Informed Practice for Self-Care and Peer-Support Among Social Work Students, highlights the importance of integrating trauma-informed approaches into social work education. The work provides essential guidance on fostering resilience and peer support among students in field placements. Read More
- On March 11, 2025, Professors Eric Kennedy and Carry Wu were featured in a study published in Migration, Mobility & Displacement. The study examines how nativity shapes experiences of anti-Asian discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research analyzes Canadian national survey data from 2020, revealing that native-born Asians report significantly higher perceptions of discrimination compared to foreign-born Asians. The findings contribute to broader discussions on race, immigration, and societal responses to discrimination in times of crisis. Read More
- In February 2025, Professor Hassan Qudrat-Ullah published his latest book, Mastering Decision-Making in Business and Personal Life. The book explores the complexities of decision-making across personal and professional domains, integrating insights from psychology, business strategy, and system dynamics. Professor Qudrat-Ullah presents frameworks for improving decision-making skills, addressing contemporary challenges such as risk management, cognitive biases, and strategic planning. Read More
- On February 13, 2025, Dr. Seyed M. Moghadas and his colleagues published an article in BMC Infectious Diseases. The research quantified the impact of disease severity, age, sex, comorbidities, and vaccination status on secondary attack rates (SARs) across diverse populations and regions. This study aims to identify key determinants of transmission and inform public health strategies for improving global pandemic response. Read More
- On February 3, 2025, YEMERGE membersChigozie Louisa Jane Ugwu, Professors Jianhong Wu, Jude Dzevela Kong, Ali Asgary, James Orbinski and Woldegebriel Assefa Woldegerima were featured in BMJ Global Health, co-authoring a systematic review and meta-analysis on the risk factors associated with human Mpox infection. The study examines data from both endemic and non-endemic regions and synthesizes evidence to identify key transmission risks related to the 2022–2023 Mpox outbreak. Read More
- On February 3, 2025, Professors Ali Asgary, James Orbinski, Jianhong Wu, and Jude Dzevela Kong, Y-EMERGE members, published a study utilizing deep-learning models and unconventional data sources to forecast and provide early warnings for respiratory disease outbreaks. The model, which incorporates data like satellite air quality and social media posts, showed improved prediction accuracy for COVID-19 in Ontario and influenza in Quebec. Read More
- On January 10, 2025, an article coauthored by Professor Seyed M. Moghadas was published in Nature Communications. It explored the potential of combining AI with traditional models to enhance disease forecasting and public health planning, while identifying key challenges like dataset diversity and decision-making integration. Read More
- On January 9, 2025, Professor Seyed M. Moghadas was featured in Nature Medicine, discussing the impact of RSVpreF vaccination on reducing the burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants and older adults. He highlighted that targeted immunization strategies could prevent up to 64% of hospitalizations among older adults and significantly reduce RSV-related hospitalizations in infants. Read More.
- In June 2025, Professors Ali Asgary and Evalyna Bogdan joined the successful team behind From Catastrophe to Community: A People's History of Climate Change, a SSHRC Partnership Grant Stage 2 led by Dr. Sean Holman (University of Victoria). The project explores climate disaster experiences through narrative-based research and trauma-informed approaches.
- On July 16, 2025, Professor Ida Ferrara was awarded an Insight Development Grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) of Canada. Her project, titled "Advancing Gender Diversity in Leadership Positions: An Integrated Multidisciplinary Approach", received $60,720 in federal funding to support innovative early-stage research over the next two years. Read More
- On July 16, 2025, Professor Gunho Sohn was featured in YFile as the lead of a major York-led initiative funded through the NSERC Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE) program. With $1.65 million in federal support over six years, Professor Sohn will develop and deploy “Smart Mobility Advanced Research & Training (SMART)” to train the next generation of researchers and professionals in mobility systems innovation. The SMART program will help Canada address complex urban mobility challenges while equipping early-career researchers with the interdisciplinary training needed to thrive in one of the country’s most critical sectors. Read More
- On July 11, the federal government announced over $12.1 million in NSERC funding to York University researchers through the 2025 Discovery Grants and related programs. Several Y-EMERGE members were among the recipients, recognized for their contributions to innovative, interdisciplinary research across science, engineering, and health. Congratulations to: Dr. Aijun An, Dr. Afshin Rezaei Zare, Dr. Iain Moyles, Dr. Huaiping Zhu
- On March 20, 2025, Professor Eric Kennedy, was featured in a York University announcement about a new research project funded by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). The project, “Understanding and Improving Wildfire Mitigation Partnerships with Local Governments,” aims to help communities strengthen their wildfire resilience. The project will address challenges in wildfire mitigation and develop solutions to enhance preparedness across Canada. Read more