2015
Wednesday Wed
Science and Technology in Biosecurity
Department of Homeland Security Approach to Biosecurity
Dr. O-Toole will discuss science and technology relevant to BioSecurity and priorities of the Department of Homeland Security in Research and Development efforts. As an Under Secretary of the Science and Technology Directorate of the DHS, Dr. O’Toole reorganized S&T in August 2010, creating four groups:
Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency
Support to Homeland Security Enterprise First Responders Group
Acquisition Support and Operational Analysis Division
R&D Partnerships Division
O'Toole adopted a portfolio-based review of priorities to measure the effectiveness of the R&D investments. "This process includes written submissions on each project, an oral presentation by each project manager and analysis of the project's likely impact and feasibility as judged against specific metrics determined by the directorate," CRS wrote. "A review panel of S&T officials, representatives of other DHS components, and technical experts evaluates and rates each project, identifying places in the portfolio where program managers could combine activities to create synergies and cost savings, reprioritize funding, and speed projects to completion."
Location
291 Campus Dr.
Palo Alto, CA 94305
USA
Li Ka Shing Learning & Knowledge Center (LKSC)
291 Campus Dr.Palo Alto, CA 94305
Speaker
Tara O’Toole, MD, MPH: Former Under Secretary of the Science and Technology Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security (2009-2013).
Tara O’Toole, MD, MPH: Served as the Under Secretary of the Science and Technology Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security from 2009 to 2013.
Prior to her confirmation as Under Secretary (November 4, 2009), O’Toole founded, and served as chief executive officer and director of, the Center for Biosecurity at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Concurrently, she was a Professor of Medicine and of Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh. She stepped down from her position as Under Secretary on September 23, 2013
From 2006 to 2007, she chaired the board of the Federation of American Scientists. In 2006, she was appointed to the board of the Google Foundation’s International Networked System for Total Early Disease Detection. From 2001 to 2003, she directed the Johns Hopkins Center for Civilian Biodefense Strategies. From 1993 to 1997, she served as the Assistant Secretary for Environment Safety and Health in the Department of Energy. From 1984 to 1988, she practiced general internal medicine in community health centers in Baltimore.
O’Toole is best known for her disaster response exercises. She was a principal author and producer of Dark Winter (2001) and Atlantic Storm (2005), both of which simulated a covert outbreak of smallpox in the United States. Her publications in the biodefense field include articles on the response to anthrax, smallpox, and plague biological attacks; containment of contagious disease epidemics; biodefense research and development strategies; and hospital preparedness. She is the founding editor of the journal Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science. From 2003 to November 2009, Dr. O’Toole was the CEO and Director of the Center for Biosecurity at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), and Professor of Medicine and of Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh. The Center for Biosecurity of UPMC is an independent organization dedicated to improving the country’s resilience to major biological threats.
O’Toole holds a bachelor’s degree from Vassar College, an MD from George Washington University, and a Master of Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins University.