Laura L. Hungerford

Laura L. Hungerford is a Professor and Department Head of Population Health Sciences at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech. She holds adjunct professorships at multiple institutions, including the University of Maryland School of Medicine and San Diego State University. Her expertise spans veterinary public health, epidemiology, and infectious disease control.

Education:

• PhD in Veterinary Epidemiology, University of Illinois (1989)
• MPH in Epidemiology/Biometry, University of Illinois Chicago (1987)
• DVM, Michigan State University (1980)
• BS in Veterinary Science, Michigan State University (1978)

Research Interests: Dr. Hungerford focuses on epidemiological methods, zoonotic diseases, and global health challenges like HIV/AIDS and avian influenza. Her work integrates spatial analysis, network modeling, and public health policy to address infectious disease spread in both human and animal populations. Notable projects include studies on Mycobacteriosis in zoo birds and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders in Nigeria.

Professional Roles:

• Director of the Graduate Program in Epidemiology and Human Genetics (2013–2015)
• Vice Chair for Academic Programs at University of Maryland School of Medicine (2015–2016)
• Senior Advisor for Science and Policy at FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (2002–2016)

Memberships: American Veterinary Medical Association, Association for Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, and Pi Kappa Phi Honorary Society.