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Infectious Disease Prevention and Public Response

What we do


Our Translational Team was formed as a rapid response initiative within the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University with the goal of directing our institution's response to COVID-19. Since our founding, we have sought to expand our research to emerging infectious diseases. We focus on five key areas: recognizing the emergence of new diseases, preparing for their potential impact, preventing their spread, responding effectively to outbreaks, and recovering from their aftermath. Our team brings together experts from various fields including virology, epidemiology, public health and emergency management to develop comprehensive strategies for combatting infectious diseases. Our goal is to stay ahead of the curve, ensuring the well-being of individuals and communities around the world.

Our team leads

David Sklar, MD

David Sklar, MD

Team Co-Lead

Senior Advisor and Professor

Dr. David Sklar is an emergency medicine physician and editor of Academic Medicine. He is the former chair of emergency medicine and associate dean of graduate medical education at the University of New Mexico. Sklar is a professor of health care delivery and senior advisor to the university provost in health policy and health professions education at ASU.

Matthew Scotch, PhD, MPH

Matthew Scotch, PhD, MPH

Team Co-Lead

Assistant Dean and Professor, ASU College of Health Solutions

Assistant Center Director and Professor, ASU Biodesign Institute

Matthew Scotch is assistant dean of research and professor of biomedical informatics in the College of Health Solutions. He is also assistant director of the Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering at Arizona State University. His research focuses on genomic epidemiology and bioinformatics of RNA viruses with a particular interest in influenza A viruses.

Frank Lovecchio, DO, MPH

Frank Lovecchio, DO, MPH

Team Co-Lead

Medical Director of Clinical Research, ASU College of Health Solutions

Dr. Frank LoVecchio, an emergency medicine physician, has held the position of research director at Valleywise Health (formerly Maricopa Medical Center). Board certified in emergency medicine, toxicology and addiction medicine, he earned a master's degree in public health from Harvard Medical School with a focus on outcomes research. Additionally, he holds a professorial role at three Arizona medical schools.

Bryan Yavari

Bryan Yavari

Coordinator

Where we work

ASU Biodesign Institute
Many IDPPR Translational Team members conduct their research within the walls of the Biodeisgn Institute. From wastewater analysis to variant testing, our faculty-run labs are dedicated to advancing our knowledge of infectious diseases.

1001 S. McAllister Ave.
Building A
Tempe, AZ 85281


ASU Downtown Phoenix campus
The majority of our team consists of faculty and staff affiliated with ASU's College of Health Solutions. Our research is predominantly conducted within the diverse facilities on campus, including those within the College of Health Solutions and ASU's Bio

College of Health Solutions
500 N. 3rd St.
Phoenix, AZ 85004


Valleywise Health
The IDPPR Translational Team is proud to be working with several community partners on various projects. From Valleywise Health to Creighton University, our team works with community members across the Valley.

2601 E. Roosevelt St.
Phoenix, AZ 85008