![Nicole Basta]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1724868965/shadyside/ly9wzlivadjur0cvi2fj/IMG_5087-350x469.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1724868965/shadyside/ly9wzlivadjur0cvi2fj/IMG_5087-350x469.jpg","width":350}])
Nicole Basta ’99 has always had a passion for understanding how diseases spread and how vaccines can prevent them. This passion led her from Princeton University, where she earned a degree in ecology and evolutionary biology, to the University of Cambridge as a Gates Cambridge Scholar, and later to McGill University in Montreal, where she currently serves as an Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Infectious Disease Prevention.
Basta’s path to becoming a leader in public health has been marked by a commitment to both research and real-world application. After earning her doctoral degree from the University of Washington, she gained practical experience as an infectious disease outbreak investigator with the Florida Department of Health. This role helped shape her approach to translating research into actionable solutions.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Basta co-developed an interactive online COVID-19 vaccine tracker that provided real-time updates on vaccine development to millions of users. Her work was instrumental in offering clear, trustworthy information during a time of global uncertainty.
Throughout her career, Basta has focused on more than just studying infectious diseases—she has also worked to increase vaccine awareness and acceptance. Her research has illuminated the factors that influence vaccine uptake and the effectiveness of vaccination strategies. Her innovative contributions to the field recently earned her the 2024 Rising Star Award from the Sabin Vaccine Institute, a recognition of her significant impact on public health.
In addition to her research, Basta is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of public health leaders. She has guided students and trainees from several countries, helping to foster a new wave of epidemiologists and public health experts. Her work with policymakers and public health organizations ensures that her research has a tangible impact beyond academia, translating scientific findings into strategies for disease prevention and control.
Basta’s journey, from her early days at Princeton as a first-generation college student to her current role at McGill, reflects a deep commitment to improving global health. As she continues her work in infectious disease prevention, her efforts remain focused on making a lasting difference in public health.