Philip Welkhoff

Philip Welkhoff has led the foundation’s Malaria program since 2018 and has concurrently led the Institute for Disease Modeling (IDM) since 2021.

Before becoming director of the Malaria program, Philip served as director of research at IDM before it became part of the foundation. In that role, he helped to develop computer simulations of the transmission dynamics of malaria, polio, and other diseases. This work supported public health professionals and scientists in planning eradication strategies. Philip also served as a pro bono external advisor to various Gates Foundation programs, including Agricultural Development and Water, Sanitation & Hygiene.

Philip earned dual undergraduate degrees in mathematics and aerospace engineering at the University of Texas at Austin and holds a Ph.D. in applied and computational mathematics from Princeton University. His doctoral work focused on biophysically inspired models of neural circuits for perceptual decision-making.

Philip is a 2004 Hertz Fellow and received a Special Achievement by a Hertz Fellow Award in 2009 for his work on malaria modeling. He serves on the board of the Fannie and John Hertz Foundation and is a senior Hertz Fellowship interviewer.