Frederick, Maryland, United States
I am a senior virologist and executive‑level leader specializing in BSL‑3 and BSL‑4 containment research, CBRNe‑relevant biological threats, and the integration of advanced technologies, such as AIxBio and NAMs, into modern biodefense. For more than 20 years, my work has focused on strengthening national and global preparedness for high‑consequence biological events by advancing the scientific, operational, and policy foundations of biosafety and biosecurity. Leveraging globally recognized expertise in virus diversity and evolution, and deep experience with highest‑priority Risk Group 4 Select Agents such as Ebola, Lassa, and Nipah viruses, I have led multidisciplinary programs that connect maximum‑containment laboratory science with real‑world threat characterization and biodefense applications. My portfolio spans strategic program development and oversight, client and collaborator engagement, project management, “wet” laboratory research, and high‑impact communication of results across diverse platforms. Much of this work is driven by sustained interagency collaboration across U.S. government, academic, and international partners. I have built and managed high‑performing teams capable of executing mission‑critical initiatives under demanding operational conditions. Through these efforts, I have contributed extensively to the scientific literature, with more than 35,000 citations, an h‑index of 97, and over 335 PubMed‑indexed journal publications. I am committed to advancing biosafety and biosecurity standards, modernizing biodefense capabilities, and ensuring that emerging technologies, such as AI‑enabled biological analysis, become responsibly deployed, standard tools for threat detection, characterization, and response. My leadership includes guiding large‑scale research initiatives, mentoring the next generation of BSL‑3/4 containment scientists, and supporting evidence‑based policy that strengthens resilience against natural, accidental, and deliberate biological risks