Dr. Xiunan Wang is the recipient of an NSF LEAPS-MPS grant for the project titled titled “Refining Inverse Methods and Advancing Hybrid Forecasting Approaches for Influenza Transmission Dynamics,” Photo by Angela Foster.
Dr. Xiunan Wang, assistant professor in the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Department of Mathematics, has received a $249,993 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) through the Launching Early-Career Academic Pathways in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences (LEAPS-MPS) program.
Wang’s two-year project, titled “Refining Inverse Methods and Advancing Hybrid Forecasting Approaches for Influenza Transmission Dynamics,” focuses on developing more accurate forecasting systems for influenza outbreaks by integrating environmental data—such as temperature, humidity and air quality—into mathematical and artificial intelligence models.
The award was made through the NSF Division of Mathematical Sciences, which supports foundational and applied mathematics research with broad applications in national security, public health, digital infrastructure and STEM education.
“Professor Wang’s research focusing on mathematical modeling in epidemiology—specifically forecasting influenza outbreaks—is a great example of applied mathematics, and the NSF investment in her work indicates its promise for a positive impact on human health,” said Dr. Pam Riggs-Gelasco, dean of the UTC College of Arts and Sciences.
The NSF LEAPS-MPS program supports pre-tenure faculty at institutions that are historically underrepresented in NSF’s Mathematical and Physical Sciences funding and aims to expand participation in the mathematical sciences.
“I am truly honored and excited to receive this NSF LEAPS-MPS award—my first NSF grant—and see it as both tremendous encouragement and a catalyst for my research,” Wang said. “It validates the potential of inverse methods and hybrid approaches, integrating mathematics, AI and environmental science to significantly improve infectious disease forecasting and early warning systems.
“For students, it unlocks immersive research opportunities, mentorship in cutting-edge quantitative skills and a platform to showcase their creativity. For society, it represents a critical step toward strengthening outbreak preparedness and response.”
The NSF award will fund both research and educational outreach. Wang and her research team will validate their forecasting tools using real-world influenza and environmental data from New York, California and Tennessee. The methodologies developed are designed to be adaptable to other diseases affected by environmental conditions.
In addition to her research, Wang will provide hands-on opportunities for UTC undergraduate and graduate students, with the grant budget supporting multiple student researchers. Outreach efforts will include a webinar series on mathematical epidemiology and an annual mathematics poster competition for middle and high school students.
During her time at UTC, Wang has published more than 24 peer-reviewed articles and emerged as a leading voice in infectious-disease forecasting, with her work garnering international attention.
“Since beginning her UTC career in fall 2021, Dr. Wang has been highly impactful in research and gained widespread renown for her work,” said Dr. Chris Cox, professor and head of the Department of Mathematics. “She uses mathematical theory and methodology for problems arising in mathematical biology. The application areas include infectious diseases among animals and humans—the research that this grant will support—and the effects of climate change on predator-prey populations in the wild.
“Dr. Wang is also highly effective in teaching and service. I’m confident that this grant is a good investment by NSF that will have lasting positive effects.”
Wang said the grant aligns with UTC’s expanding research profile.
“Science advances when we bridge disciplines, and this grant empowers us to do exactly that while equipping the next generation to tackle global health challenges with rigor and innovation,” Wang said. “I am particularly proud to contribute to the growth of our math department and the University’s research mission, and ultimately to advancing public health and scientific progress worldwide.”
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