Samantha Zermatten-Jack

Epidemiologist and Biostatistician

Samantha Zermatten-Jack is an epidemiologist and data scientist with a Master of Science in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, a BSc Honours in Medico-Legal Forensic Sciences, and a BSc in Biochemistry, Physiology and Psychology, all from the University of the Witwatersrand. She currently works as a researcher at Wits Planetary Health Research (Wits PHR), where she contributes to studies exploring the health impacts of climate change.

She has extensive experience across multi-site clinical research projects at Wits RHI, Wits VIDA, and the NHLS-NIOH, working on studies focused on HIV, tuberculosis, COVID-19, silicosis, drug addiction, gender studies, mental health, and occupational health. Samantha has collaborated with both private and government stakeholders on projects spanning communicable and non-communicable diseases. Previously, she also founded an environmentally focused start-up in Johannesburg aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of agricultural produce.

At Wits PHR, Samantha’s research supports evidence generation on how environmental and climatic factors affect health outcomes in vulnerable populations. She is passionate about using data-driven approaches to strengthen health systems and build resilience to climate-related health challenges.

Outside of work, Samantha enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, teaching yoga, and practicing aerial arts.