Spotlight: David Kormos
David Kormos, a postdoctoral fellow at the Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics, is advancing indoor air quality and pandemic resilience through low-cost filtration and aerosol transmission research. With a background spanning microbiology, engineering, and public health, David brings practical and scalable solutions. In this spotlight, he shares how his hands-on approach and global collaborations are shaping the future of health emergency preparedness.
Tell us about yourself
I’m originally from the U.S., and my academic background spans microbiology, engineering, and public health. I started researching air pollution during my undergraduate studies, which led me to indoor air quality and microbiology. Over time, my research evolved into studying emissions and microbial resistance in aerosols, particularly in rural settings. That’s now a key focus of my work.
Can you share more about your current research and how it contributes to health emergency preparedness, resilience, or recovery?
My current research focuses on improving indoor air quality to reduce the transmission of airborne infectious diseases. We’re testing low-cost, DIY filtration systems, known as portable air cleaners (PACs) in Mozambique, South Africa, and Nigeria. These are simple box filters designed to improve air quality and reduce the spread of diseases like tuberculosis. The goal is to make effective air filtration accessible and scalable in resource-limited settings, which is crucial for pandemic preparedness and response.
What motivated you to focus on health emergencies and pandemics in your work?
During my PhD, I started working on emissions from sources carrying antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which led me deeper into the world of aerosols and pathogens. I also had the opportunity to work with Linsey Marr who was instrumental in getting COVID-19 recognized as an airborne disease. That experience had a huge impact on the direction of my work.
How do you envision your research influencing real-world responses to future health crises?
I hope my work helps cut through the noise of flashy but unproven technologies. There’s a lot of innovation in air filtration, especially post-COVID emergency, but not all of it is effective. My aim is to rigorously test these systems and focus on what actually works, especially in everyday environments like homes, where people spend most of their time. If we can improve indoor air quality affordably and reliably, we can make a real difference in public health outcomes during future pandemics.
Your fellowship is co-supervised across disciplines, how has this shaped your approach to tackling complex challenges?
My work spans microbiology, public health, building science, and engineering, which lets me connect with experts across disciplines. One of the biggest challenges, and opportunities, is learning to communicate across fields. Even my two supervisors speak slightly different scientific languages, so being able to translate and collaborate effectively is key. It’s helped me approach problems from multiple angles and ask for help when I need it, which I think is essential in interdisciplinary work.
How does your research benefit from the interdisciplinary environment fostered by the Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics?
The Institute has been great for expanding my network; it’s connected with people outside my discipline who’ve helped shape new project proposals. Having access to experts in public health, microbiology, and other areas has been invaluable. It’s about building a community of collaborators who can support and challenge your work.
How is the fellowship supporting your development as a researcher and contributor to health emergency/pandemic preparedness?
It’s given me the time, space, and resources to deepen my research and broaden my collaborations. Being part of the Institute means I can engage with a wider academic community and contribute to projects that have real-world impact. It’s also helped me refine my focus on antimicrobial resistance and aerosol transmission, which are increasingly important areas in pandemic preparedness.
Beyond your research, what other activities will you contribute to the Institute?
I’m planning to lead a workshop on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), specifically its connection to bioaerosols. I also want to develop a session on international partnerships, how to prepare for collaborative travel, what works, what doesn’t, and how to evaluate those experiences. I think sharing those insights will be useful for others at the Institute and beyond.
How do you see your work contributing to long-term improvements in preparedness, health systems resilience, or equitable policies?
By focusing on low-cost, scalable solutions, I hope to add practical options for disease mitigation, especially in underserved regions. Our work in sub-Saharan Africa with Belgian partners is a good example. If we can show that these systems make a measurable difference, they could become part of broader strategies for health system resilience and equitable access to clean air.