David Hayman (disease ecologist)

New Zealand disease ecologist

David Hayman is a prominent New Zealand disease ecologist known for his research on the ecology of infectious diseases, particularly those that are zoonotic in nature. He is a professor at Massey University and has contributed significantly to the understanding of how diseases are transmitted between animals and humans.

Early Life and Education

David Hayman was born and raised in New Zealand. He developed an early interest in biology and ecology, which led him to pursue higher education in these fields. Hayman completed his undergraduate studies in biological sciences at the University of Auckland. He then went on to earn a Ph.D. in disease ecology from the University of Cambridge, where he focused on the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases in wildlife populations.

Career

David Hayman in November 2020

After completing his doctoral studies, Hayman returned to New Zealand and joined the faculty at Massey University. As a professor, he has been involved in numerous research projects that investigate the role of wildlife in the spread of infectious diseases. His work often involves interdisciplinary collaboration, combining elements of ecology, epidemiology, and public health.

Hayman has been particularly interested in the study of bats as reservoirs for zoonotic diseases. His research has explored how changes in bat populations and their habitats can influence the emergence of diseases such as rabies and Ebola.

Research Contributions

David Hayman's research has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of zoonotic disease transmission. He has published extensively on topics such as the ecology of Lyssaviruses, the impact of environmental changes on disease dynamics, and the role of wildlife in the emergence of new infectious diseases.

One of his notable contributions is the development of models that predict the risk of disease spillover from animals to humans. These models have been used to inform public health strategies and to mitigate the impact of potential outbreaks.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Hayman has received several awards for his contributions to science and public health. He is recognized as a leading expert in his field and has been invited to speak at international conferences and workshops on disease ecology.

Related Pages

• Zoonosis
• Disease ecology
• Massey University
• Epidemiology