Sheryl Zwerski
Sheryl Zwerski is an accomplished scientific and research leader with over 27 years of experience in clinical research, including 14 years in senior leadership roles at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the NIH. She has directed numerous global studies focused on HIV prevention, maternal and pediatric HIV treatment, and tuberculosis, consistently ensuring scientific rigor and efficient resource use. Sheryl is recognized for her hands-on leadership style, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and ability to guide multidisciplinary teams through complex clinical research initiatives.
As Scientific and Research Program Director at NIAID, Sheryl oversees the Prevention Science Program, managing multi-million-dollar global portfolios that span basic, preclinical, and clinical studies. She leads the development and execution of HIV prevention strategies, manages collaborative partnerships with US government agencies, industry, and foundations, and ensures regulatory compliance with agencies such as the FDA and EMA. Her work has contributed to landmark trials, including HPTN 052 and the iPrEx study, shaping international guidelines for HIV prevention and treatment.
Sheryl holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing and Public Health from The Catholic University of America and has completed executive leadership training at the University of Notre Dame. Certified as a Registered Nurse Practitioner in Maryland, she is deeply committed to advancing global health through research excellence, mentorship, and the development of innovative strategies to prevent and treat infectious diseases in vulnerable populations.
• The Catholic University of America
• University of Notre Dame - Mendoza College of Business
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the support and guidance of my parents, my husband, my family, and the incredible mentors who have shaped my career. Their encouragement has helped me navigate challenges, grow as a leader, and remain focused on making a meaningful impact in my field.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to actively listen, stay humble, lead with empathy, and help wherever I can. I’ve learned not to walk into a new leadership role thinking I know it all—there’s always more to learn from the people around you.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to find a mentor who genuinely wants to see others succeed and doesn’t feel threatened by their growth. A supportive mentor can guide you, share wisdom, and help you navigate challenges while building confidence in your own abilities.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is balancing the work we know needs to be done with the reality of limited funding and resources. Despite these constraints, there are opportunities to innovate, prioritize effectively, and collaborate with others to maximize impact.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important value for me in both my work and personal life is integrity—I need to feel that I’m doing the right thing in every role or situation I’m involved in. It guides my decisions, interactions, and how I lead or contribute to any team.