Syra Madad, D.H.Sc., M.Sc., MCP is nationally recognized leader in public health and special pathogen preparedness and response. She is Senior Director, System-wide Special Pathogens Program at New York City Health + Hospitals, the nation’s largest municipal healthcare delivery system overseeing special pathogen preparedness and response efforts across 11 acute care hospitals in addition to post-acute/long-term care facilities and ambulatory care sites. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Graduate Biotechnology/BioDefense Program at the University of Maryland and Core Faculty in the National Ebola Training and Education Center (NETEC), funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR). In addition, Dr. Madad is an Alumni Fellow in the Emerging Leaders in Biosecurity at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center for Health Security. Dr. Madad earned her Doctoral degree in Health Science with a concentration in Global Health from Nova Southeastern University, and Master of Science degree in Biotechnology with a concentration in Biodefense and Biosecurity.nnShe has a strong background in academia, teaching in graduate, undergraduate and professional programs with courses ranging from advanced microbiology to bioterrorism and biosecurity. Dr. Madad has held various faculty appointments, including Assistant Professor, Deputy Chair and Director of Education for various academic institutions in MD, NY, and TX. Dr. Madad has a number of peer-reviewed articles, and has been a guest speaker at numerous scientific and medical conferences/workshops/webinars around the world. She was recently quoted in the Wall Street Journal on pandemic preparedness along with other national public health figures. She serves on over five editorial boards and advising committees and councils, nationally and internationally.