Kathleen Gallagher

Kathleen Gallagher holds advanced degrees from Boston University School of Public Health, including an MPH earned in 1984 and a D.Sc. in epidemiology. These qualifications underscore her foundational training in Health Science, particularly in epidemiological methods and public health practice. As a distinguished alumna of BU SPH, she has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the field through the Distinguished Alumni Award. Gallagher's academic background at Boston University equipped her with the expertise necessary for high-level roles in disease surveillance and control.

Gallagher's career trajectory highlights her impact in public health leadership. She served as an epidemiologist at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health from 1984 to 1998, gaining hands-on experience in state-level health monitoring. Transitioning to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, she advanced to Director of the Division of Notifiable Diseases and Healthcare Associated Infections, where she directed national efforts to track and mitigate reportable diseases and hospital-acquired infections. In her current position as Regional Associate Director for East Africa at the CDC, she oversees collaborative public health programs, emergency responses, and capacity building in the region. Her work bridges academic training with practical application in global Health Science challenges.

Gallagher's research specializations center on infectious disease epidemiology. She co-authored the publication 'Mumps Epidemiology in the United States (US) before and after the 2006 Outbreak,' analyzing trends in vaccine-preventable diseases. Additionally, she contributed to studies like 'Using Administratively Collected Hospital Discharge Data,' advancing methodologies for public health analysis using administrative records. These publications demonstrate her influence on epidemiological research and policy. Through her roles and scholarly output, Gallagher has shaped strategies for disease prevention and health security, exemplifying the integration of Health Science education from Boston University into impactful professional practice.