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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.
- Region 7 Infectious Disease Briefings
  The GCHS and R7DHRE hold biweekly meetings with public health and healthcare representatives to discuss current infectious disease challenges. Dr. James Lawler, MD, MPH, FIDSA provides updates on recent data and advancements each week. Experts also offer insights into current outbreaks and clinical situations within Region 7.
- Measles
  The GCHS is currently monitoring measles cases. This page provides information, resources, and news.
- HPAI H5N1- Avian Influenza
  Learn more about the current worldwide outbreak of HPAI H5N1- Avian Influenza 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.
- Mpox
  The Global Center for Health Security is currently monitoring the spread of mpox. Learn more by viewing our resources.
The Transmission
- News Overview
- Events
  Find scheduled and past events involving the Global Center for Health Security.
- Annual Reports
  Find annual reports for our center and several of our programs.
- Videos
  Watch our Year in Review videos, ISTARI videos, and more!

Meet the Team

Joshua Santarpia, Ph.D.

Professor, Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology
Director, Medical Sciences Interdepartmental Area Graduate Program
Associate Director for Academic Affairs, Global Center for Health Security
Advisor, National Strategic Research Institute
Email: josh.santarpia@unmc.edu

Vicki Hererra, MS

IARG lab manager
Research coordinator at UNMC
Laboratory Workgroup Chair at NETEC
Laboratory staff for Nebraska Biocontainment Unit
vlherrera@unmc.edu

Danielle Rivera, BS

Global Center for Health Security Technical Project Manager III at University of Nebraska Medical Center
Email: danielle.rivera@unmc.edu

Daniel Ackerman, BS

Senior Scientist at National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI)
D. Graduate Student (MSIA: Biological Defense & Health Security sub-plan) at UNMC
Email: dackerman@unmc.edu

Kevin Crown, MS

Senior Scientist at National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI)
D. Graduate Student (MSIA: Biological Defense & Health Security sub-plan) at UNMC
Email: kcrown@nsri.nebraskaresearch.gov

Ashley Ravnholdt, BS

D. Graduate Student (MSIA: Biological Defense and Health Security sub-plan) at UNMC
Email: aravnholdt@unmc.edu

Elizabeth Klug, Ph.D.

Senior scientist for IARG
Email: liz.klug@unmc.edu

C.J. Woslager DC, MS, MLS(ASCP)^cmSM^cm

Assistant Professor & Hematology Coordinator at UNMC Department of Clinical, Diagnostic & Therapeutic Sciences
Ph.D. Graduate Student (MSIA: Biological Defense and Health Security program) – UNMC
Email: christopher.woslager@unmc.edu

Gabriel Lucero, BS

Senior Research Engineer - National Strategic Research Institute(NSRI)
Email: glucero@nsri.nebraskaresearch.gov