Shawn G. Gibbs

Shawn G. Gibbs is a Professor and Dean of the School of Public Health at Texas A&M University. With expertise in industrial hygiene and environmental exposure assessment, his research focuses on disrupting the transmission of highly infectious diseases like Ebola and COVID-19, influencing national policies and best practices for healthcare responders. He has led critical initiatives with the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit (NBU) and the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC).

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Biology, The Ohio State University
• Master of Science in Environmental Engineering, University of Cincinnati
• Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science, University of Cincinnati
• MBA in Agribusiness, University of Nebraska

Research Interests: Dr. Gibbs specializes in environmental microbiology, biosafety protocols, and infectious disease response strategies. His work includes decontamination research, PPE shortage mitigation, and international training programs for first responders.

Scientific Awards:

• 2018 American Industrial Hygiene Association’s Edward J. Baier Technical Achievement Award
• 2017 Biomedical Research Exemplar Award
• 2015 Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska for service
• 2006-2007 U.S. Fulbright Faculty Scholar to Egypt

Advising and Grants: He developed a National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) training grant, leading to the Biosafety and Infectious Disease Training Initiative. This initiative partnered with institutions like the University of Texas Health School of Public Health and evolved into the UTHealth-led Prevention, Preparedness, and Response (P2R) Consortium, a NIEHS-funded program.

Labs and Teams: Dr. Gibbs directed research at the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit (NBU), one of only three such facilities in the U.S. at the time, and remains affiliated with NBU and its successor, NETEC. He also led three Institutional Fulbright Faculty Scholars training programs in Libya (2013) and Egypt (2016, 2017) for Public Health Curriculum Development.