Dr. Marissa Levine, a USF College of Public Health professor of public health practice, has been appointed to the Board of Scientific Counselors of the Center for Preparedness and Response (CPR) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

According to its website, the CPR is “America’s public health defense hub. The CPR provides expertise, funding, technical support and training to public health departments to help them prepare for health emergencies. The CPR works together with experts in immunization, environmental health, emerging diseases, occupational safety and health, injury prevention and control and others.”

As a scientific counselor, Levine, who also directs the college’s Center for Leadership in Public Health Practice, will advise the nation’s top health leaders, including the director of the CDC and Secretary of Health and Human Services. She will also help conduct peer reviews of scientific programs, perform secondary reviews of scientific research proposals and monitor the CPR’s overall direction and focus.

“The Board of Scientific Counselors is designed to assist the center in using the latest science and translate evidence into effective public health emergency practice,” Levine noted. “Given that we are still in a pandemic and have much yet to do, let alone plan for the next public health emergency, this is a very important time for the CPR and this board. I am most excited about adding my voice to the deliberations with the hope that, even in some small way, I can assist the CPR in advancing its mission and performing its work for the betterment of all.”

Levine will serve a three-year term.

“I am thrilled to have been nominated and accepted for this role,” Levine, who was nominated by the former director of the CPR, added. “I had served this same board as a liaison officer when I was the Virginia State Health Commissioner. I felt honored to be a part of that esteemed group then, and I look forward to being an official voting member of the board now.”

Story by Donna Campisano, USF College of Public Health