Alpha Forna is a Postdoctoral Associate at The University of Georgia, specializing in evolutionary infectious disease ecology, with a focus on forecasting influenza antigenic evolution using machine learning techniques. Prior to this role, Alpha served as a Postdoctoral Researcher and Fellow at McGill University and Simon Fraser University, concentrating on drug resistance in pathogenic bacteria and contributing to published papers. Alpha completed a PhD in Infectious Disease Epidemiology at Imperial College London, where involvement included data management for an Ebola vaccine clinical trial and collaboration on a digital health course. Additional experience includes public health and data analysis roles in Sierra Leone. Academic qualifications encompass a Master’s in Epidemiology and Biostatistics and a Bachelor’s in Pharmacy.