Laura Chittenden

I attribute my success to a lifelong dedication to science, service, and global impact. My journey began with a Doctorate in Biomedical Sciences and contributions to the Human Genome Project, followed by management consulting after graduating from Cornell. Seeking to apply my expertise in a meaningful way, I joined the Peace Corps and taught science in Nepal, igniting my passion for education and global health. I later worked in the private sector, as a management consultant with PRTM (later acquired by PwC). In this period, I was able to contribute meaningfully to the U.S. government's biodefense initiatives, and assisted in building the firm's public health practice to strengthen processes at organizations such as GAVI and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Moving my career overseas, in the Dominican Republic, I focused on HIV system strengthening to ensure patients received proper care, and in Kenya, I supported patient-centered health system improvements. My work in India as the Education and Women’s Empowerment Lead expanded into early-grade education and social inclusion, including the Girl Rising initiative recognized by the Prime Minister and supported by Bollywood leaders for promoting girls’ empowerment. I then served as a scientific advisor in Latin American and the Caribbean overseeing vector management related to to the regional Zika outbreak. From there I moved to Nigeria, where I serven in my first role as a WRAIR Country Director, managing not only PEPFAR implementation, but also research and vaccine development for Ebola, HIV, mpox and other diseases. I then moved to Tanzania and served as the lead Global Health Security Advisor for USAID, leading efforts against disease outbreaks of Marburg virus, mpox, and cholera. I moved into the position as WRAIR Tanzania Country Director in 2024, overseeing PEPFAR implementation, research on HIV vaccine clinical trials, and surveillance on respiratory disease and antimicrobial resistance. My career path has exposed me to many different aspects of biodefense and public health —and has all driven by my commitment to advancing health security and empowering communities worldwide for greater health equity.

The best career advice I’ve ever received came from several mentors while working at WRAIR, and one from my foreign service career. At WRAIR, I worked with several amazing, dedicated, and brilliant women, including Dr. Sheila Peel, the WRAIR Director for the Diagnostics Branch, COL Julie Ake, the Director for the Military HIV Research Program, and Dr. Tiffany Hamm, who at the time was the Director for the International HIV Prevention and Treatment program at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation. These women, through their support and example, taught me the importance of perseverance, scientific rigor, ambition and collaboration in scientific and global health work. That guidance has stayed with me throughout my career, reinforcing my dedication to the health and well-being of humanity, and the drive to look for opportunities for innovation and improvement. Lastly, I had the honor to serve with Kathleen FitzGibbon when she was the Deputy Chief of Mission in Nigeria. Kathleen led the charge for the health interagency at the Embassy, tirelessly working to engage Tanzanian officials, and ensuring the health and safety of Tanzanians, Americans, and people worldwide. She reminded me to lead with strength and purpose and to create environments where collaboration and compassion drive meaningful progress.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to stay curious, adaptable, and open to every opportunity that comes your way. Be willing to learn continuously, even when it means stepping outside your comfort zone, and don’t be afraid to take unexpected paths that may lead to growth and impact. Build genuine connections through networking, seek out mentors, and reach out to people whose work inspires you. Collaboration and relationships are at the heart of progress in global health and science, and every conversation or experience can open a door to something greater.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are discipline, creativity, and community. Whether in the lab, the field, or everyday life, I believe in showing up with consistency and purpose, principles I also practice through Muay Thai. Creativity keeps me balanced and inspired, which I express through pottery, community theater, and choir. I also find fulfillment in continuous learning, whether through reading or research, which has led to several published works, including Sustaining Tuberculosis Preventive Therapy Scale-Up Through Direct Supportive Supervision (International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, 2020) and Improving Indicators of Tuberculosis Program Cascades by Leveraging HIV Program Strategies (International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, 2019). Above all, I value connection, building supportive relationships, fostering collaboration, and contributing to communities that make a lasting difference.