Using Nova to construct agent-based models for epidemiological teaching and research

Epidemic modeling is dominated by systems models - so-called SIR models - that describe the spatio-temporal and network dynamics of disease outbreaks. Reed-Frost, discrete-time, stochastic transmission-chain models have also been important; but, increasingly, epidemiological modelers are turning to agent-based (ABM) approaches that permit the inclusion of individual-specific characters, which may relate to the genetics of hosts or pathogens, host exposure histories, co-infections or other general health correlates. Here we introduce Nova, a graphically driven computational modeling platform for creating and running both dynamical systems and ABM models that have application both in teaching and research. Because Nova is based on the JavaScript language, all Nova models are easily transformed into Nova Online web apps. In the teaching arena, our presentation features our “SIR circle games”; in the research arena we discuss the application of Nova to modeling outbreaks of Ebola and measles.