Current Role
NYC Health + Hospitals
Senior Director of the System-wide Special Pathogens Program at New York City Health + Hospitals, the nation's largest municipal healthcare delivery system. Co-Principal Investigator of NYC Health + Hospitals Institute of Diseases and Disaster Management.
Research & Academia
Harvard · Johns Hopkins · NETEC
Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center. Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Federation of American Scientists. Alumni Fellow at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Core Faculty at the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center.
Published papers, book chapters, and journal articles with presentations at over 70 conferences globally. Creator of Belfer Center's Diversity in STEM and Women in STEM series.
Outbreak Response
Special Pathogens
Ebola · Zika · Measles · COVID-19 · Monkeypox
Recognition
Awards & Features
- Fortune "40 Under 40" in Healthcare, 2020
- Crain's Most Notable in Health Care, 2021
- J.V. Irons Award for Scientific Excellence, 2015
- Most Innovative Use of Healthcare Simulation, IMSAL, 2019
Education
Credentials
- DHSc, Global Health—Nova Southeastern University
- MS, Biotechnology—University of Maryland
- BS, Psychology—University of Maryland
Advisory Roles
Policy & Governance
Member of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB). External reviewer to the World Health Organization. Member of the National Academies Forum on Medical and Public Health Preparedness for Disasters and Emergencies.
In the Media
Publications & Appearances
Regular contributor to The New York Times, Washington Post, Atlantic, CNN, MSNBC, and FOX. Featured in Netflix's Emmy-nominated docuseries "Pandemic: How to Prevent an Outbreak" and Discovery Channel's "The Vaccine: Conquering COVID."
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a career in public health entail?+
A career in public health involves protecting and improving community health through education, promoting healthy lifestyles, and research for disease prevention. It encompasses epidemiology, environmental health, and health policy.
What are special pathogens and bio-preparedness?+
Special pathogens are infectious agents with potential to cause severe outbreaks, such as Ebola or Zika. Bio-preparedness involves planning, training, and implementing protocols to prevent, detect, and respond to these threats.
What careers are available in this field?+
Careers range from epidemiologists and infection preventionists to public health officials, research scientists, and policy advisors. Roles exist in hospitals, government agencies, academia, and nonprofits.
What educational background is required?+
A background in public health, microbiology, epidemiology, or related sciences is beneficial. Advanced degrees (MPH, PhD, DrPH) or specialized certifications can provide deeper expertise.
How can students gain experience?+
Seek internships at local health departments, research labs, or hospital infection prevention units. Participate in simulation drills, complete lab safety training, and join public health organizations.
Speaking & Inquiries
For keynote speaking requests and consulting inquiries, please reach out through official channels.
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