AS
Member Since 2004
Antar Singh Jutla
Associate Professor, University of Florida
Chair, Geohealth Awards Committee; Chair, Geohealth Fellows Committee; Chair, Geohealth Canvassing Committee; Editor, GeoHealth
Director of Geohealth and Hydrology Laboratory (GeoHLab) that specializes in the use of satellite remote sensing data to understand scale issues in hydroclimatological and water-ecological processes; design and develop "actionable, anticipatory decision-making" algorithms to identify complex spatio-temporal patterns to predict the risk of water- and air-borne pathogens as well as associated diseases; and understand interaction between natural and human systems.
Professional Experience
University of Florida
Associate Professor
2019 - Present
West Virginia University
Assistant Professor
2012 - 2019
Education
Doctorate
2011
Tufts University
Doctorate
Honors & Awards
Charles S. Falkenberg Award
Received December 2023
Citation
Dr. Antarpreet Jutla is a brilliant engineer-scientist. He has taken a unique approach to interdisciplinary research in developing a robust, plausible hypothesis-driven mechanism assimilating geophysical, microbiological and sociological processes to predict the risk of pandemics. Rather than relying on regression-based modeling, his research is entirely novel and has resulted in the prediction, with a high degree of accuracy, of the movement of pathogens and the associated diseases they cause in human populations. Cholera broke out in Haiti following the massive earthquake of 2010. Using historical evidence gathered from the Indus River basin in Asia, he classified cholera occurrence in two forms: epidemic (sudden outbreaks) and endemic (recurrence and persistence of disease). Dr. Jutla further showed cholera in Haiti was significantly influenced by regional hydroclimatic factors optimal for a disease outbreak and provided a framework to develop a powerful cholera prediction model, using his theoretical mathematical and engineering skillsets.

Dr. Jutla was one of the first engineer-scientists (as a graduate student) to organize sessions highlighting the importance of integrating geophysical processes with human health outcomes. He has been instrumental in bridging knowledge gaps between geoscientists and microbiologists, evidenced by his role in developing a climate change initiative for AGU and the American Society for Microbiology. Dr. Jutla’s contributions to science, engineering and society are extraordinary and highly merit recognition by this award.

— Rita R. Colwell
University of Maryland
College Park, Maryland
Response
Receiving the Charles S. Falkenberg Award is a tremendous honor that instills enthusiasm and a deep sense of humility. This accolade not only represents a personal milestone but also stands as a tribute to collaborative efforts and unwavering support of numerous individuals who have played a pivotal role in my research journey. I am thankful to the committee responsible for reviewing nominations and considering me for this esteemed recognition. I express my deepest gratitude to Dr. Rita Colwell, Dr. Stacey Archfield, Dr. Shafik Islam and Dr. Venkat Lakshmi, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in the success of my career.This award celebrates interdisciplinary research that integrates water, climate and weather with human well-being (health). Quoting AGU, "Falkenberg was also committed to increasing public awareness of both the research methods and findings regarding the Earth's environment." Indeed, working on infectious diseases such as cholera has taught me that public awareness is fundamentally coupled with modalities of geophysical processes that impact where humans live and work and subsequently set the stage for interactions with water-related pathogens. Since environmentally sensitive pathogens are less likely to be eradicated, it becomes imperative to identify pathways of cohabitation while ensuring a robust public health response. Looking back in time, one summer afternoon, I attended a seminar where Dr. Rita Colwell (not knowing at that time that she would have the most profound impact on my life and career) showed a visualization with satellites measuring chlorophyll over oceans, water levels, cholera bacteria and flowing rivers — truly fascinating multidisciplinary research. Her talk changed everything, particularly the way I, a traditionally trained water resources engineer, used to think about water. However, I was recruited to conduct research on evapotranspiration methods using remote sensing data. I approached Shafik (my doctoral adviser) with courage, yet timidly, and said, "I do not want to research evapotranspiration. I want to link health with hydrology." He patiently listened with a bleak expression (which made me exceedingly anxious) and said, "Go for it" (and he became a lifelong mentor). That moment marked the commencement of what has partially culminated with this award.I would like to express again my gratitude to AGU, Earth Science Information Partners and the colleagues who put forward my nomination for this award. I will conclude with Eliot’s “between the idea and the reality, between the motion and the act, falls the shadow,” and it is only the beginning!— Antarpreet Singh Jutla, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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Publications
Quantification of Climate Footprints of Vibrio vulnificus in Coastal Human Communities of the United...

The incidence of vibriosis is rising globally with evidence of climate variability influencing environmental processes that support growth of patho...

August 19, 2024
AGU Abstracts
The Impact of Climate Variability on Water-Borne Infections: Insights into Vibrio spp. Distribution and Health Risks
AGU 2024
geohealth | 10 december 2024
Moiz Usmani, Kyle Brumfield, Rita R. Colwell, Anta...
Climate and human health have long been linked, yet this relationship is often underrepresented in scientific research. One key area of concern is the...
View Abstract
Climate, infectious diseases, and anticipatory action
AGU 2024
union sessions | 10 december 2024
Antarpreet S. Jutla, Juan Chavez
As the climate changes, we face growing challenges where climate effects, infectious diseases, and human safety overlap. This talk will explore how th...
View Abstract
Vibrios, the oceans, and climate change
UNDERSTANDING THE LINKAGE BETWEEN GEOSCIENCES AND BIOTHREATS FOR ENHANCING NATIONAL AND GLOBAL SECURITY ORAL
geohealth | 15 december 2023
Rita R. Colwell, Moiz Usmani, Antarpreet S. Jutla,...
Vibrio spp. thrive in warm water and moderate salinity. Several Vibrio spp. are associated with infections, mainly from consuming contaminated seafood...
View Abstract
Volunteer Experience
2024 - 2025
Chair
Geohealth Canvassing Committee
2021 - 2025
Chair
Geohealth Fellows Committee
2021 - 2024
Chair
Geohealth Awards Committee
Check out all of Antar Singh Jutla’s AGU Research!
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