Erin Gaab

UC Merced's Health Sciences Research Institute is taking a step toward fighting valley fever. Despite evidence that as many as 80 percent of the residents in the San Joaquin Valley are exposed to the fungus that causes valley fever, there is little consensus around patients at highest risk of developing fungal infection, practical measures that can be taken to prevent exposure, treatment or reducing the burden of the disease on the people in the region. UC Merced's researchers are exploring the disease from a range of angles.

Gaab is a postdoctoral scientist, facilitating research public health and psychosocial effects of valley fever on children and families.