Flu Fighters: CDC
Dr. John Barnes, microbiologist and team lead for CDC’s Influenza Genomics team
![Dr. John Barnes](/flu/images/resource-center/partners/john-barnes-flu-fighter-1.jpg?_=67775)
Meet flu fighter Dr. John Barnes, microbiologist and team lead for CDC’s Influenza Genomics team. In a world where influenza (flu) viruses are constantly changing and evolving, this team examines (sequences) the genomes of thousands of influenza viruses a year. “Flu is both a fascinating and frustrating virus to study,” says Dr. Barnes. “Influenza viruses have a unique ability to move through genetic space very quickly. Every week, there is a new ‘curveball’ that could literally leave us looking at changes in the viruses that we have never seen before.”
Lynnette Brammer, MPH, team lead of the Domestic Influenza Surveillance team
![Flu Fighter: Lynnette Brammer](/flu/images/resource-center/partners/lynnette-brammer-flu-fighter1.jpg?_=03808)
Meet flu fighter Lynnette Brammer, team lead of CDC’s Domestic Influenza Surveillance team, which is responsible for collecting, analyzing and publishing a weekly report on the impact flu is having across the U.S. This information helps inform efforts to protect the public’s health. According to Mrs. Brammer, there is no good flu season, just different degrees of bad.
CDR Lisa Delaney, director, Emergency Response and Preparedness Office (EPRO), NIOSH
![CDR Lisa Delaney](/flu/images/resource-center/partners/lisa-delaney-flu-fighter.jpg?_=96150)
Meet flu fighter Lisa Delaney, director of the Emergency Response and Preparedness Office at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Delaney, leads the NIOSH team focused on ensuring businesses understand the impact of seasonal flu and how they can play a role in lessening the spread of flu in the workplace. “It is important to remind employers every year that they can play an important role in preventing flu, helping to protect employees’ health and reducing losses in productivity and revenue,” says Delaney.
Dr. James C. Kile, public health veterinarian and lead of the Animal-Human Interface Team in CDC Influenza Division’s Epidemiology and Prevention Branch (EPB)
![James C. Kile, Flu Fighter](/flu/images/resource-center/partners/james-kile-1.jpg?_=87071)
Meet Dr. James C. Kile, public health veterinarian and lead of the Animal-Human Interface Team in CDC Influenza Division’s Epidemiology and Prevention Branch (EPB). In support of influenza pandemic preparedness, Dr. Kile and his team focus on preventing the spread of influenza viruses from animals to people.
Dr. Rebecca Kondor, the lead of the Genomic Analysis Team in CDC Influenza Division’s Virology, Surveillance and Diagnosis Branch (VSDB)
![Rebecca Kondor, PhD](/flu/images/resource-center/partners/rebecca-kondor-1.jpg?_=60556)
Meet Rebecca Kondor, PhD, the lead of the Genomic Analysis Team of the Virology, Surveillance and Diagnosis Branch (VSDB) in the Influenza Division within CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD). Dr. Kondor has focused her efforts on expanding informatics and bioinformatics infrastructure and improving genomic analysis pipelines.
Ann Moen, MBA, former associate director for Preparedness and Response
![Ann Moen, Flu Fighter](/flu/images/resource-center/partners/ann-moen.jpg?_=72447)
Meet flu fighter Ann Moen, former associate director for Preparedness and Response in CDC’s Influenza Division (ID), who retired on December 31, 2022, after 39 years of federal service at CDC.
Kyung Park, MPH, a biologist on the Epidemic Virology and Vaccines team of the Virology, Surveillance, and Diagnosis Branch (VSDB)
![Kyung Park, MPH Meet flu fighter Kyung Park, a biologist on the EVV team in CDC's ID.](/flu/images/resource-center/partners/Kyung-Park-MPH.jpg?_=70994)
Meet Kyung Park, MPH, a biologist on the Epidemic Virology and Vaccines team of the Virology, Surveillance, and Diagnosis Branch (VSDB) in CDC’s Influenza Division. Ms. Park works remotely doing data analysis and database management.
Catherine Smith, Research Microbiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
![Catherine Smith Flu Fighter Catherine Smith](/flu/images/resource-center/partners/catherine-smith.jpg?_=32384)
Meet Catherine Smith, a research microbiologist in the Influenza Division at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Catherine graduated from Mount Union College (now the University of Mount Union) in 1984 with a degree in Biology.
Are you a flu fighter, or know someone who is? Share your own flu fighter profiles online or social media. Here’s how:
- Pick 1-3 images demonstrating your work as a flu fighter.
- Write a 2-4 sentence post about why you fight flu.
- Share these images and message on social media!
Be sure to include the hashtag #WhyIFightFlu or #FightFlu and tag @CDCFlu in your post!