Shoshana R. Shelton

Shoshana R. Shelton is a Professor at the RAND School of Public Policy and a Policy Researcher at the RAND Corporation. Her work centers on program evaluation, public health systems, emergency preparedness, and national health security, with significant contributions to pandemic response, violence prevention, and crisis decision-making. She has led major projects for federal agencies including the CDC, DHS, FEMA, and the U.S. Secret Service.

Education:

• M.P.H., The Ohio State University
• B.A. in English, Denison University

Her research focuses on strengthening public health infrastructure through performance measurement, logic modeling, and stakeholder engagement. She has developed tools such as tabletop exercises for continuity of operations in public health laboratories and led after-action reviews of the public health response to COVID-19. Her work emphasizes building resilience against biological threats, natural disasters, and targeted violence.

Shelton's recent publications highlight trends in emergency alert systems, disaster resilience, criminal justice reform during pandemics, and equitable health security research investment. She advocates for evidence-based policies that balance bioterrorism preparedness with responses to natural disasters and climate-related emergencies.

Scientific Awards:

• No awards listed in the provided text.

She has advised or collaborated with numerous federal and state agencies, contributing to national health security through rigorous evaluation and policy analysis. Her grants and projects reflect sustained funding from DHS, CDC, and other federal bodies focused on improving public safety and health system readiness. She has also led initiatives on behavioral threat assessment in schools and wearable technology for law enforcement wellness.

Labs and Teams:

• Previously led a four-year project on mass attacks and targeted violence for the U.S. Secret Service.
• Collaborated with the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) on continuity of operations planning.
• Contributed to the Priority Criminal Justice Needs Initiative, fostering innovation across law enforcement, courts, and corrections.