Julie Fischer

Julie Fischer, Ph.D., is an Associate Research Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Georgetown University, serving as Director of the Elizabeth R. Griffin Program. Previously, she co-directed a team at George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health (2016–present) and led Stimson’s Global Health Security Program (2007–2012). Her career includes roles as a Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science Congressional Fellow, and microbiologist in Thailand-U.S. collaboration projects. She holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from Vanderbilt University, with postdoctoral training at the University of Washington and Seattle Biomedical Research Institute.

• Education:
• Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University
• Postdoctoral Training: Viral Pathogenesis (University of Washington), Seattle Biomedical Research Institute

Research Interests: Dr. Fischer focuses on strengthening global capacities for disease detection and response. Her work spans laboratory capacity-building, public health preparedness, International Health Regulations (IHR) compliance, biosecurity, and multisectoral coordination for epidemic preparedness. She has contributed to initiatives like the Global Health Security Agenda and the Health Governance and Diplomacy Lab at Georgetown.

Publications Trends: Her articles emphasize global health security frameworks, implementation challenges for IHR (2005), and respiratory virus pathogenesis. Recent work addresses cooperative bioengagement strategies, zoonotic disease networks in Jordan, and linking global health emergency funding to actionable plans. Earlier publications (1997–2004) explored cytokine dynamics and immune responses to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in animal models.

Awards/Grants: No specific awards listed, but her extensive federal and institutional funding history is reflected in her programmatic leadership roles.

Advising/Teams: Leads Georgetown’s International Disease and Events Analysis (IDEA) Lab and collaborates with the Health Diplomacy Training Institute. Past roles include Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee work on biological/chemical exposure consequences.

Labs/Teams: Active in multi-institutional initiatives such as the One Health Lab and SOCIAL-ID Lab, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to global health challenges.