Global Center for Health Security

- Our Expertise Overview
- Why Nebraska?
  Nebraska’s difference is an all-star, all-volunteer team that dedicated itself to being ready for any biocontainment crisis at any time.
- Leadership
  The Global Center is led by experts in biopreparedness and high-consequence infections research, education and clinical care.
- Scholars
  Our scholars represent the pinnacle of health security expertise and are integral to advancing the mission of the GCHS in the domains of clinical care, operational response, research and development, and training in health security, and emergency response. GCHS scholars play a critical role by contributing to strategic priorities, shaping initiatives, and advancing the GCHS’s global leadership.
- Affiliates
  Our affiliates are innovative experts collaborating to advance global health security.
- C-STARS
  C-STARS, the Center for Sustainment of Trauma Readiness Skills- Omaha is a collaboration between UNMC, Nebraska Medicine, and the Air Force Research Laboratory’s School of Aerospace Medicine. C-STARS Omaha works closely with UNMC’s Global Center for Health Security, iEXCEL, and the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit to take advantage of the medical center’s capabilities and expertise in biopreparedness training and research.
- Our Team
  Our team consists of a variety of professionals providing support and project management to further the Global Center for Health Security’s mission.
- Domains Overview
- Clinical Operations
  The Global Center for Health Security is the premier U.S. institution for management of high-consequence infections. Further, our clinical capabilities include biological, chemical, burn, and radiation domains.
- Education & Training
  Our expertise is now sought worldwide and officially sanctioned by the U.S. government. The GCHS is the home base to the national Training, Simulation, and Quarantine Center and the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit.
- Research
  The GCHS has laser-focused existing work by our leading scientists in fields like chemical weapons, drug discovery and public health.
- International Partnerships & Innovation
  The GCHS tackles the most pressing problems in emerging infectious diseases through international partnerships and innovation.
- Programs Overview
- Core Capabilities
  Learn about the GCHS’ 4 core capabilities: Emerging Pathogens Lab , Nebraska Biocontainment Unit , the National Quarantine Unit, and deployable teams.
- Core Programs
  The GCHS works with multiple core programs to enhance our capabilities to respond effectively to public health challenges.
- Partnerships
  The GCHS partners with many outside organizations to strengthen our commitment to addressing global health challenges through research and innovation.
- Associated Groups & Programs
  Learn more about the impactful programs led by GCHS leadership, scholar, and affiliates.
- Academic Programs
  Explore GCHS academic programs which include the Health Security Fellowship and the Biological Defense and Health Security program.
- Health Emergencies Overview
- Outbreaks to Watch
  Find information about emerging pathogens, diseases and outbreaks from around the world. Stay updated on the most recent information on worldwide global health and emerging pathogens outbreaks.
- Andes virus (Hantavirus)
  GCHS is actively monitoring the outbreak of Andes virus, a type of hantavirus. This page provides information, resources, and updates.
- Ebola Virus
  GCHS is currently monitoring the outbreak of Bundibugyo ebolavirus. This page provides information, resources, and updates.
- Measles
  The GCHS is currently monitoring measles cases. This page provides information, resources, and news.
- H5 Avian Influenza
  Learn more about the current worldwide H5 Avian Influenza outbreak and explore resources, news, webinars, and our unofficial map.
- COVID-19
  Explore our COVID-19 page for recent news, resources, manuals, and playbooks. Biweekly overviews of new data and developments presented by James V. Lawler, MD, MPH, FIDSA can now be found on the Health Emergencies page.
The Transmission
- News Overview
- Events
  Explore GCHS and partner upcoming events and training opportunities.
- Annual Reports
  Explore our annual reports.
- Videos
  Explore our videos.

Col Lee Williams (Ret), MD

Director, Office for the Advancement of Military Medicine
Associate Professor, UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation

Col Lee Williames

Lee Williames is an Associate Professor in the Munroe-Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and Inaugural Director of the Office for the Advancement of Military Medicine.

Lee has been working to advance the capabilities of military medicine for over 30 years, as an Air Force physician, leading medical teams in Europe, Asia, Africa, Central America, and the Arctic. Board certified in general and developmental behavioral pediatrics, Lee has served as the head of several Educational and Developmental Intervention Services clinics, multi-disciplinary teams providing diagnostic and treatment services to children attached to military bases and embassies around the globe, as the Chief of Medical Staff at hospitals stateside and overseas, and he has Commanded the Air Force’s largest hospitals in the European and Pacific theaters. As the Alaska Command, Air Force Global Strike, and finally U.S. Strategic Command Surgeon he has been a senior leader in the Military Health System developing plans, policy, and managing medical force deployments, pandemic, and disaster responses collaborating across Services, federal, civilian, and international partners. Lee has USAF special experience identifiers for teaching, arctic leadership, and as a certified physician executive with awards for teaching, research, and leadership at multiple levels.