My approach to research has been a comprehensive application of epidemiological, mathematical and patho-biological methods. This integrated approach emphasizing strong collaborations with scientists in related but different disciplines has provided me with the most productive solutions to research questions. I enjoy working in the field and with animals. Often field data provide crucial information and hypotheses that lead to formulation of research questions. However, field data are often crude with many potential biases. More precise measurements and study designs in controlled environments may provide further insight into the disease dynamics. Applied immunology and bacterial molecular typing methods provide a high resolution for detailed insight into infection dynamics within and between hosts. Results from these experimental studies may then be further verified under field conditions.