Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Michael Roswell
Preserving a Century of Public Health Data
Dr. Roswell’s first paper, “A Century of Weekly Notifiable Disease Incidence Data by Province in Canada,” was published in PLOS Global Public Health on December 17. This study documents a major effort by a McMaster University–led research team to digitize and assemble more than 100 years of infectious disease data from across Canada into a publicly accessible database.
This new resource allows researchers to study long-term patterns in disease incidence and better understand the historical impacts of factors such as water infrastructure investment, vaccination, antibiotics, and public health messaging. At a time when public health systems face renewed strain and uncertainty, the database offers valuable insight to help strengthen preparedness for future generations.
Dr. Roswell and his coauthors’ work transforms archival records into a modern research tool that will support public health scholarship for years to come.
Balancing Public Health and the Economy During Pandemics
Dr. Roswell’s second paper, “Integrating Macroeconomic and Public Health Impacts in Social Planning Policies for Pandemic Response,” was published in Epidemics, a ScienceDirect journal, in December.
The paper is the result of a multiyear international collaboration that began in July 2022 and was co-led by Professor Joshua Weitz, Professor of Biology and Clark Leadership Chair in Data Analytics. Working alongside collaborators from the Georgia Institute of Technology, Tel Aviv University, and the London School of Economics and Political Science, Dr. Roswell’s research team developed a model that integrates economic and epidemic dynamics to inform pandemic response planning.
The study compares different policy approaches and finds that adaptive, feedback-based strategies can save lives while also supporting economic activity, even amid uncertainty. The work provides a framework for policymakers seeking solutions that honor both public health and economic stability.
Dr. Roswell’s scholarly achievements exemplify what Indian Creek strives to model for students every day: curiosity grounded in rigor, learning connected to real-world impact, and a commitment to excellence that extends beyond the classroom.
Indian Creek is fortunate to have faculty members who not only teach science but actively shape it. Congratulations to Dr. Roswell on these notable accomplishments - and on being such a powerful example of Indian Creek’s mission in action.
Indian Creek School
Indian Creek school is a co-educational, college preparatory independent school, located in Crownsville, Maryland. Students in Pre-K3 through grade 12 receive a vibrant educational experience based on excellent academics steeped in strong student-teacher connections.
