Research & Publications

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

On June 7, 2025, Professors Woldegebriel Assefa Woldegerima, Jianhong Wu, Ali Asgary, and Jude Dzevela Kong were featured in Global Transitions for their co-authored article. The study presents a novel framework that combines mechanistic modeling with ensemble statistical forecasts to improve early outbreak predictions in vulnerable regions. Focusing on the 2022 cholera outbreak in Malawi, the research demonstrates how integrated modeling approaches can guide timely interventions and support health planning in crisis-affected areas. Read More

Archived Research & Publications & Grants
2025

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.

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

Archived Research & Publications & Grants2025

Archived Research & Publications & Grants
2025