I have 14 years of experience, and specialize in the field of public safety and public health with specific knowledge in the areas of emergency medical services (EMS), hospital and health system preparedness and preparedness for public health emergencies. I have published on such topics as public health disaster response, lack of preparedness in US health systems and current issues in planning for and preparing for disasters, terrorism and public health emergencies. I have direct experience as both a first responder (paramedic) as well as a scholar, graduate-level professor and public health expert in responding to and managing disasters and major public health emergencies, including Hurricane Katrina in the fall of 2005.