Executive Leadership & Expert Bios

Lyle R. Petersen, MD, MPH

Director, Division of Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, NCZVED

 

Lyle R. Petersen, MD, MPH, has been the director of the Division of Vector-borne Infectious Diseases in the National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne, and Enteric Diseases (NCZVED) since 2004. The division supports extensive research and prevention programs as well as national bioterrorism preparedness and response programs related to vector-borne diseases.

Dr. Petersen began his career at CDC in the Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) in 1985. He served in several posts including Chief of the HIV Seroepidemiology Branch and Deputy Director for Science of the Division of Vector-borne Infectious Diseases.

Dr. Petersen received an undergraduate degree in biology from the University of California, San Diego, a Masters in Public Health degree from Emory University, and a medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco. After medical school, Dr. Petersen completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Stanford University. He then joined Tulane University′s tropical medicine research efforts in Cali, Colombia.

Dr. Petersen is the recipient of several scientific awards including the Charles B. Shepard Science Award, the Alexander D. Langmuir Award, and the James H. Nakano Citation. He also received the HHS Secretary′s Award for Distinguished Service twice. He has served as a consultant for the World Health Organization, the World Bank, and the PATH/Gates Foundation as well as guest editing for the Emerging Infectious Disease Journal. Dr. Petersen is also the author of more than 175 scientific publications.

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