Lehigh Undergrad Predicts Flu Seasons, Showcasing R1 University's Impact
Lehigh University, the sole R1 research-designated institution in the Lehigh Valley and one of just seven in Pennsylvania, has seen its undergraduate students achieve remarkable feats. Monelli Esfandiary, a Population Health major, recently presented her flu research at a CDC and CSTE conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
Esfandiary's journey began four years ago when she joined the College of Health community. Her current research, conducted with Tom McAndrew, focuses on predicting flu seasons before they happen. Together, they developed weekly flu forecasts, a significant contribution to the field.
Lehigh's R1 status, awarded by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, reflects its commitment to research. This designation sets it apart from other universities in the region, such as Temple University in Philadelphia, which is classified as an R1: Doctoral University with very high research activity.
Esfandiary's presentation at the CDC and CSTE conference is a testament to Lehigh's R1 research status and the opportunities it provides for undergraduate students. Her work with McAndrew on predicting flu seasons demonstrates the university's commitment to cutting-edge research and its impact on public health.
