Mara Jana Broadhurst

Mara Jana Broadhurst, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). She holds leadership roles as Director of the Infectious Diseases Diagnostics & Biopreparedness Council, the U.S. Region 7 Emerging Pathogens Laboratory, and the Microbiology-Parasitology Service. Her research focuses on developing diagnostic tools for emerging and high-consequence infectious diseases, with a strong emphasis on global health and underserved communities.

• Education:
  • Bachelor's in Biology, University of Oregon
  • MD/PhD in Biomedical Sciences, University of California San Francisco
  • Pathology Residency and Medical Microbiology Fellowship, Stanford University
  • Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

Her research interests span novel diagnostic technologies, immune profiling of infectious diseases, and implementation science for SARS-CoV-2 testing in underserved populations. She leads efforts to strengthen infection prevention and control strategies in healthcare settings through the Global Center for Health Security.

Awards and Recognition:

• Recipient of the Gilmore Distinguished New Investigator Award (2023)
• Global Virus Network Rising Star (2021)
• UNeMed Innovator of the Year (2020)
• Warrington Yorke Medal in International Community Health (2017)

As a leader in the Emerging Pathogens Laboratory and the Emerging Threats Epidemiology Group, she bridges clinical research, public health, and global health security initiatives. Her work integrates field experience from roles like diagnostics lead during the West Africa Ebola epidemic and mentorship through the American Society for Microbiology.