Back Sebastien Faucher, PhD Water-borne Pathogens Associate Professor, Department of Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University Prof. Sebastien Faucher’s research program aims to understand the genetic factors and environmental factors that influence the survival and growth of water-borne pathogens in the non-clinical environment and their transmission to humans. The emergent pathogen Legionella pneumophila is the prime focus of this research program. This pathogen grows in engineered water systems. Metagenomic tools are used to understand the role of the resident microbiota and the genomic diversity of L. pneumophila . The effect of climate change and water system operation and disinfection strategies on the evolution of L. pneumophila is also studied through experimental evolution in model water systems. Learn More

Back Qian (Vivian) Liu, PhD Viral Zoonoses Assistant Professor, Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University Zoonotic diseases (zoonoses) are infectious diseases that originate from animals and subsequently infect humans. RNA viruses are the primary etiological agents of human emerging pathogens, occupying up to 44% of all emerging human diseases. Paramyxoviruses are negative-stranded RNA viruses with great zoonotic potential. Members include established human pathogens (e.g. Measles virus) and emerging deadly zoonotic viruses (e.g. Nipah and Hendra viruses). My lab is interested in understanding the infection and transmission of zoonotic viruses in humans and animals. Specifically, we study the mechanisms of virus entry and assembly and how viruses hijack and/or evade host factors during these processes. By combining super-resolution imaging, novel fluorescence labelling, and optogenetic tools, we provide precise structural and behavioural information to dissect virus-host interactions during viral infection and transmission. Our research sheds light on novel antiviral development. Learn More

Back Lawrence Goodridge, PhD Food-borne Pathogen Dynamics Professor, Department of Food Science, Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph Dr. Lawrence Goodridge, is a Full Professor and Canada Research Chair in Foodborne Pathogen Dynamics in the Department of Food Science at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. He is also the Director of Guelph’s Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety. Dr. Goodridge applies genomics to study foodborne bacterial pathogens and antibiotic resistance within a One Health context. This objective is being achieved by combining phenotypic and genotypic (phenogenomics) methods to develop predictive models of virulence in foodborne pathogens. Specific research studies in support of the main objective include identifying mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, including the role that mobile genetic elements play in the spread of genetic determinants of antibiotic resistance and virulence amongst bacteria. Other research interests include identifying new antimicrobial compounds to control the growth of pathogenic bacteria, and the development genomic approaches for rapid detection of foodborne and waterborne bacterial and viral pathogens. Learn More

Back Scott Weese, DVM, DVSc, Dipl ACVIM Veterinary Internal Medicine Professor, Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph Dr. Weese is a veterinary internist and a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. He is a Professor at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Director of the University of Guelph Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses, and Chief of Infection Control at the Ontario Veterinary College Teaching Hospital. He is also a member of the Tripartite Global Leaders Group on AMR, Chair of the WHO Advisory Group for Critically Important Antimicrobials in Human Medicine and runs the infectious disease website WormsAndGermsBlog . He has a focus on infectious diseases, particularly emerging diseases, antimicrobial resistance and diseases and the human/animal interface. Learn More

We pair the discipline-based research skills our trainees acquire during their traditional thesis research work with the advanced systems thinking needed to develop, evaluate, and modify context-specific policies to prevent and control the spread of FWVZ pathogens. Our Annual Policy Challenge Each year, our collaborators and co-applicants assemble a unique case study based on real-world public health challenges involving FWVZ pathogens. These case studies form the basis of our Annual Policy Challenge, a year-long project culminating in a five-day all-expenses-paid retreat. We challenge our PhD trainees, working in interdisciplinary teams, to pitch innovative policy solutions and outreach strategies to a panel of leading stakeholders in government and industry. Our Master’s trainees are then tasked with promoting these solutions, emulating accessible scientific media coverage, and generating public interest in FWVZ pathogens. Throughout the retreat, our trainees will receive coaching and mentorship from experienced leaders in health and public policy while they put the finishing touches on their policy solutions and media coverage. Our retreat peaks on its final day, when each PhD team will present their pitches to our panel of expert judges alongside an audience of their peers. PhD trainees should be prepared to answer questions and receive constructive feedback for professional development while our Master’s trainees receive feedback on their media coverage. The 2023-2024 Challenge An effective human vaccine against Lyme disease has existed since the mid 1990's. However, the anti-vaccine movement and subsequent disappointing vaccine uptake led the manufacturer to discontinue its commercial production. Thousands of people are now needlessly suffering from Lyme disease and symptoms associated with post-Lyme disease. While new vaccines are currently in stage three clinical testing, some fear they may meet the same fate. What public policies need to be put in place in Canada to ensure access to safe and effective vaccines against Lyme disease for those who want to be immunized? Lecture Slides Lecture Recording Our First Annual Policy Challenge Our first Policy Challenge was a year-long activity, culminating in a week-long retreat hosted at McGill's Gault Nature Reserve. The event featured speakers from organizations like Health Canada, the Office of the Chief Science Advisor, and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, alongside prominent voices from academia. The last day of the retreat was punctuated by final presentations from our PhD and Masters students, showing off their policy proposals and promotional media. Policy Solutions Three teams of our PhD trainees were asked to propose policy solutions addressing the issue of Lyme disease vaccinations. You can find the policy briefs they created to pitch their proposals here. Lyme Disease Vaccine for Canadians: Policy Brief Ivan Drahun, Alexandra Foley-Eby, Cody Koloski, & Yuxiao Lu Lyme Disease Prevention: Enhancing Vaccine Access and Public Awareness Initiatives Gillian Cameron, Fiona Hui, Natalia Lorenc, & Alla Yushchenko Towards Trust: Policy Initiatives for Vaccine Confidence through Transparency and Education Audrey Corbeil, Rafael Fernandes Ferreira, Cody Malone, & Taylor Volappi Promotional Media Our Masters' students were tasked with creating promotional media, with three students paired with PhD teams to promote their policy proposals and one student promoting Lyme awareness. Promotional Media: Towards Trust Giuliana Matta Promotional Media: Lyme Disease Vaccine for Canadians Sarah Donald Promotional Media: Lyme Disease Prevention Yuxin Hu Promotional Media: Lyme Disease Awareness Paul Glenn

We train graduate students to think holistically and take a One Health approach to global health crises. Are you a future One Health leader? Get in touch with our Program Coordinator to learn more. CONTACT US The OHAP program is primarily administered from the Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry at McGill University's Macdonald Campus. Phone (514) 398-7923 Address 21,111 Rue Lakeshore, St Anne de Bellevue, Quebec H9X 3V9 Canada For General Inquiries OHAP Associate Program Director Brooklyn Frizzle brooklyn.frizzle@mcgill.ca OHAP Program Director Jennifer Ronholm, PhD jennifer.ronholm@mcgill.ca Our Partner Schools University of Guelph Lawrence Goodridge, PhD goodridl@uoguelph.ca Université de Montréal Christopher Fernandez Prada, PhD christopher.fernandez.prada@umontreal.ca University of Saskatchewan Maarten Voordouw, PhD maarten.voordouw@usask.ca

We pair the discipline-based research skills our trainees acquire during their traditional thesis research work with the advanced systems thinking needed to develop, evaluate, and modify context-specific policies to prevent and control the spread of FWVZ pathogens. Seeking One-Health Leaders Our goal is to provide Canada with public health strategists and researchers, leaders, and regulators with a system-level understanding of FWVZ pathogens and honed skills for developing, evaluating, and sustaining contextual and holistic policies to strengthen Canada’s capacity to control FWVZ pathogens and provide global leadership in the fight against One Health crises. We pair the discipline-based research skills our trainees acquire during their traditional thesis research work with the advanced systems thinking needed to develop, evaluate, and modify context-specific policies to prevent and control the spread of FWVZ pathogens. Non-academic mentoring by government and industry professionals prepares our trainees for careers outside of academia while training in interdisciplinary management, communication, and political processes equips them to lead the development of scientifically, socially, and environmentally sound public policy. Apply Now One Health Course Trainees guide learning in our flipped classroom, exploring topics like One Health and Systems Thinking, determinants of health, integrated technical case studies, and outbreak investigation and control. Skill Development Studios Facilitated by government, industry, academic, and Indigenous health leaders, our immersive workshops provide technical and professional training critical to core One Health competencies. Virtual Forum Series Invited health leaders discuss pressing and controversial issues and debate solutions in a series of virtual forums moderated by trainees. Pioneering research conducted by our members is also showcased. Annual Policy Challenge Our PhD trainees pitch policy solutions to real-world health challenges in case studies judged by leading stakeholders, working with MSc. trainees trasked with crafting public outreach strategies to promote their proposals. Sample Timetables See our Schedule MSc Program: OHAP Course 3hrs/week Studios ~ 3-6hrs each Complete 10 total Forums 2hrs each Policy Challenge 5-day retreat in July Year 1 Fall Winter Summer Year 2 Fall Winter Summer 3 1 1 2 2 1 PhD Program: OHAP Course 3hrs/week Studios ~ 3-6hrs each Complete 15 total Forums 2hrs each Policy Challenge 5-day retreat in July Year 1 Fall Winter Summer Year 2 Fall Winter Summer Year 3 Fall Winter Summer 2 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 1 C I Learning Objectives Explain OH principles and concepts; apply systems thinking for holistic understanding of FWVZ pathogens; identify social and biophysical determinants that underlie FWVZ transmission and control; investigate FWVZ outbreaks; pinpoint entry points and indirect positive and negative effects of control measures Describe how to detect pathogens in water, food and tissue samples; interpret integrative analysis of diverse biological, geographical and social datasets, including big “omics” data; devise creative solutions Conduct situational and SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat) analyses Participate in, build, and manage transdisciplinary teams; network with colleagues across disciplines Facilitate debates and discussions; provide constructive criticism; communicate risk to the public, media, and policy makers Examine and reflect on personal biases; demonstrate cultural and situational sensitivity with local communities and stakeholders Write crisp, compelling proposals, reports, policy briefs, and op-eds Identify policy gaps; weigh evidence from diverse stakeholders; align policy implementation with desired outcomes; recommend, iteratively monitor, assess, and modify policies C-Course; S-Studios; P-Policy Challenge; F-Forums; I-Trainee Initiatives S P F I S I P S I P S I F P S I P S I P I

Open to graduate students at participating schools, NSERC CREATE in One Health Against Pathogens (OHAP) was established to train experts in interdisciplinary research, communication, and crafting effective public policy. The One Health Crisis Food-borne, water-borne, vector-borne, and zoonotic (FWVZ) pathogens have been on the rise in Canada and around the world with the explosion of globalization, antimicrobial resistance, and climate change. All models predict the burden of FWVZ pathogens on human health is unsustainable, and will worsen as the effects of climate change intensify.To control the spread of FWVZ pathogens, we must integrate research, surveillance systems, and public policies in a holistic ‘One Health’ approach. One Health recognizes the profound interconnections between human, animal, and environmental health while providing effective, equitable, and sustainable ways to maximize public good and minimize harmful social, economic, health, and environmental outcomes. The current political and social landscape does not encourage the dissemination of difficult facts or the adoption of sound science-backed public policy. Scientists must learn to effectively and accessibly communicate facts and evidence with politicians and the general public. NSERC CREATE in One Health Against Pathogens (OHAP) was established to train experts in interdisciplinary research, communication, and crafting effective public policy. With these skills and our holistic One Health approach, our graduate students will have what it takes to bring an end to our current global health crises and support the development of preventative technologies and policies to safeguard our shared future. We acknowledge the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Nous remercions le Conseil de recherches en sciences naturelles et en génie du Canada (CRSNG) de son soutien.

The OHAP program provides successful applicants with renewable stipends for the duration of their training, recognizing the financial barriers to collaboration with industry and government. One Health, One Year A look back at OHAP's first year in action. From the moment our funding was received in May 2023, One Health Against Pathogens was taken from a grant proposal to a full-scale experiential training program in only four months. From the beginning, our first year in operation was lovingly known as our "learning year" — our opportunity to adjust and refine our activities to reflect the realities of running a multi-year, multi-million dollar training program spanning four major universities. Though it was not without its hiccups, our first year was also a time of great success. We developed a meaningful visual identity and robust web platform, delivered on all of our major programming, and attracted partnerships from the Smithsonian Institution to the highest rungs of the federal government. As a testament to our continued dedication to learning and improving, an exhaustive report and recommendations were prepared, outlining our plans to grow our programming, internal organization, communications, outreach, and recruitment. This report was largely based on the feedback and suggestions of our first cohort of trainees. We thank them for their endless patience, encouragement, and understanding. Here you can read our full Feedback Report and Recommendations Year One by the Numbers A snapshot of our first year, detailing our progress in recruitment and programming. Recruitment Our first cohort counted 17 students, with 13 more recruited for the 2024 cohort. An unexpected abundance of non-stipend and priorly funded applicants means we will likely be able to exceed our recruitment quotas, offering more opportunities to interested students than we initially hoped for. Skill Development Studios 11 skill development studios were offered throughout 2023-2024, with 86% average participation. Non-Academic Mentorships For our first cohort, 100% of our trainees were paired with non-academic mentors from the public sector. These mentors meet with trainees regularly to help guide their professional paths, exposing them to careers outside of academia. Our First Annual Policy Challenge Our first Policy Challenge was a year-long activity, culminating in a week-long retreat hosted at McGill's Gault Nature Reserve. The event featured speakers from organizations like Health Canada, the Office of the Chief Science Advisor, and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, alongside prominent voices from academia. The last day of the retreat was punctuated by final presentations from our PhD and Masters students, showing off their policy proposals and promotional media. Policy Solutions Three teams of our PhD trainees were asked to propose policy solutions to the following question: An effective human vaccine against Lyme disease has existed since the mid 1990's. However, the anti-vaccine movement and subsequent disappointing vaccine uptake led the manufacturer to discontinue its commercial production. Thousands of people are now needlessly suffering from Lyme disease and symptoms associated with post-Lyme disease. While new vaccines are currently in stage three clinical testing, some fear they may meet the same fate. What public policies need to be put in place in Canada to ensure access to safe and effective vaccines against Lyme disease for those who want to be immunized? You can find the policy briefs they created to pitch their proposals here: Lyme Disease Vaccine for Canadians: Policy Brief Ivan Drahun, Alexandra Foley-Eby, Cody Koloski, & Yuxiao Lu Lyme Disease Prevention: Enhancing Vaccine Access and Public Awareness Initiatives Gillian Cameron, Fiona Hui, Natalia Lorenc, & Alla Yushchenko Towards Trust: Policy Initiatives for Vaccine Confidence through Transparency and Education Audrey Corbeil, Rafael Fernandes Ferreira, Cody Malone, & Taylor Volappi Promotional Media Our Masters' students were tasked with creating promotional media, with three students paired with PhD teams to promote their policy proposals and one student promoting Lyme awareness. Promotional Media: Towards Trust Giuliana Matta Promotional Media: Lyme Disease Vaccine for Canadians Sarah Donald Promotional Media: Lyme Disease Prevention Yuxin Hu Promotional Media: Lyme Disease Awareness Paul Glenn Student Spotlight Highlighting trainees who went above and beyond in their first year. Taylor Volappi Trainee Representative to our Steering Committee Cody Koloski Virtual Discussion Forum Organizer ☆ Perfect Attendance ☆ Gillian Cameron Audrey Corbeil Rafael Fernandes Ferreira Natalia Lorenc

OHAP is the product of cooperation between diverse leaders, experts, and stakeholders, all working together to help our trainees expand their knowledge, skills, and experience so that they can go on to devise transformative solutions to existing OH challenges. One Team Against Pathogens OHAP is the product of cooperation between diverse leaders, experts, and stakeholders, all working together to help our trainees expand their knowledge, skills, and experience so that they can go on to devise transformative solutions to existing OH challenges. Jennifer Ronholm, PhD Program Director Dr. Jennifer Ronholm is the Canada Research Chair in Agricultural Microbiology, an Associate Professor, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences of McGill University, and the primary applicant and Program Director of NSERC CREATE in One Health Against Pathogens (OHAP). Dr. Ronholm’s research interests include using the latest next-generation sequencing techniques to study the overall intestinal microbiome of ruminants, the effect of feed and husbandry on the ruminant microbiome, and if certain microbial populations are correlated with higher-quality and improved-safety animal food-products. The long-term overarching goal of this research is to understand and harness the power of the ruminant microbiome to generate healthier cattle herds. Learn More Brooklyn Frizzle Associate Program Director Brooklyn is a recent graduate in Microbiology and Immunology with experience in multidisciplinary undergraduate research and nonprofit administration. Their research focuses included asteroidian chronobiology, Poecilia reticulata behavioural studies, and Arthrobacter globiformis bacteriophage discovery and characterization. As Associate Director, Brooklyn acts as a resource person for co-applicants, collaborators, and trainees, ensuring their mutual success. They oversee all aspects of the program including its training mission, funding and budgeting, recruitment, communications, official reporting, and event planning. Contact Brooklyn Interdisciplinary, Interinstitutional OHAP is a collaboration between ten co-applicants from McGill University, the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Guelph, and l’Université de Montréal. Co-Applicants Partners Against Pathogens Our expanding network of government and nonprofit partners helps shape our training goals and approaches while providing advice and opportunities to our trainees. Through their involvement, our collaborators bridge gaps between academia and the public sector, encouraging sustainable inter-sector cooperation in one health. Collaborators Government & Non-Profit Office of the Chief Science Advisor Fisheries and Oceans Canada Tahatikonhsontóntie'