I'm an MRC/Rutherford Fund Research Fellow and I have recently appointed as Assistant Professor in Epidemiology at Universidad Javeriana in Colombia, South America. I research about the spread and impact of interventions to control infectious diseases in Latin America. This includes vector borne diseases such as Zika, Chagas, Chikungunya, and also vaccine preventive diseases.

My main inspiration is being aware that my research can potentially improve the life of many people in Latin America. Also, my family, friends and colleagues are always a constant source of inspiration and support for keeping to work on what I love the most.

I'm passionate about increasing capacity building for data analytics and infectious disease modelling in Low-Middle Income Countries. I'm proud of the diverse set of activities I have promoted over the years, facilitating interaction between Latin America and UK researchers throughout organising courses, projects and promoting and supervising posgradute students. 

Although lockdown has been very challenging, I'm surprised on how I have enjoyed keeping some social activities online that I used to have only in-person, such as dancing, painting and history lessons and also interacting with so many people around the world.

Read more about Dr Zulma Cucunubá's work here.