The movement of organisms—whether invasive species colonizing new habitats or pathogens spreading through host populations—is
governed by spatial processes that shape patterns of emergence, persistence, and control. In this talk, I will introduce spatial interaction
models that describe how species and diseases spread across landscapes. These models incorporate dispersal, environmental heterogeneity,
and host or vector dynamics to capture key mechanisms driving spatial spread. Special attention will be given to the role of long-distance
dispersal, heterogeneous connectivity, and stochasticity in shaping invasion fronts and outbreak dynamics. Through case studies, I will
illustrate how spatial interaction models provide insights into species invasions, emerging infectious diseases, and strategies for containment
and mitigation.