Outstanding Young Alumni Award

​Established Department of Defense Air Force molecular influenza strain surveillance laboratory. 17 peer-reviewed publications and presentations in more than 15 countries. Has presented over 30 scientific abstracts. Holds two patents. BS in microbiology from U of M, MS Biology from CMU (1999), and Ph.D. in Cell & Molecular Biology U of Texas-San Antonio. 

Has held positions as a Molecular Biologist at Brooks Air Force Base, Senior Scientist at The CME Group; Primary Investigator for the Department of Defense, Lead Scientist for Development - DNA.

 
Developed a method of detecting viruses and bacteria that is both rapid and capable of sensing minute amounts of genetic material.  It can also detect bioterrorism agents like anthrax and smallpox within three hours (in addition to the viruses and bacteria).  It can be used in the field by soldiers, using small portable instruments.  This was important because such diseases could wipe out many troops, especially if in such close proximity.  (The Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 and 1919 caused more than 20 million deaths worldwide). 

He helped the US Dept of Agriculture develop a rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for detecting flu in birds and also used a rapid real-time PCR to assist the Texas Dept of Health in a 2001 outbreak of Salmonella. 

His study of a genetic variation of the influenza virus that hadn’t been seen in the U.S. prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to make additions to a flu vaccine to protect those affected.