Speaker
Dr. Linda Venczel
Director of Global Health, CRDF Global is a senior epidemiologist
Dr. Linda Venczel Director of Global Health, CRDF Global is a senior epidemiologist with over 25 years of experience in infectious disease control and currently serves as the Director of Global Health at CRDF Global. She has led epidemic preparedness and response programs across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, with expertise in antimicrobial resistance, One Health, and outbreak surveillance.
Previous Roles :
Senior Epidemiologis t, Wildflower Global Health Services (2024–present).
Director, Epidemic Preparedness & Response Program at PATH (2018–2024).
Senior Program Officer , Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (2008–2013).
Director of Science & Program Management, BIO Ventures for Global Health (2013–2014).
Professor of Global Vaccinology, George Washington University (2021–2023).
Education
Ph.D. in Epidemiology & Environmental Health – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1996–2003).
MSPH in Epidemiology & Environmental Health – UNC Chapel Hill (1982–1987).
BS in Biology & Chemistry– University at Albany (1987).
Contributions to Global Health
Infectious Disease Control: Extensive work in Asia, Africa, and Latin America on poverty-associated infectious diseases.
Outbreak Preparedness: Directed projects in 16+ countries focusing on surveillance, diagnostic networks, and epidemic response.
Antimicrobial Resistance: Developed strategies to combat AMR through One Health approaches.
Policy & Partnerships: Collaborated with UN, Gavi, World Bank, and private sector stakeholders to strengthen global health systems.