Michael Osterholm, PhD, MPH, is an internationally recognized expert in infectious disease epidemiology. He is a member of the National Academy of Science Institute of Medicine. Professor Osterholm led investigations into infectious disease outbreaks during his 15 years as state epidemiologist at the Minnesota Department of Health. He is the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy. He served as a special advisor to former D.H.H.S. Secretary Tommy Thompson on issues regarding public health preparedness.