Nancy Cox (virologist)

American virologist

Nancy Cox, virologist

Nancy J. Cox is an American virologist renowned for her extensive work in the field of influenza research. Her career has significantly contributed to the understanding and prevention of influenza outbreaks worldwide. She served as the director of the Influenza Division at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and has been recognized for her leadership in public health.

Early Life and Education

Nancy Cox was born in the United States and developed an early interest in the biological sciences. She pursued her undergraduate studies in biology at Iowa State University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree. She then went on to earn her Ph.D. in virology from the University of Cambridge, where she conducted research on the molecular biology of viruses.

Career

Cox began her career at the CDC in 1976, where she joined the Influenza Division. Her work focused on the genetic and antigenic characterization of influenza viruses. Over the years, she rose through the ranks to become the director of the division, a position she held from 2006 until her retirement in 2014.

Contributions to Influenza Research

During her tenure at the CDC, Cox made significant contributions to the understanding of influenza virus evolution and transmission. She was instrumental in the development of the World Health Organization's (WHO) global influenza surveillance and response system. Her research helped in the identification of new influenza strains and the development of effective vaccines.

Cox's work was pivotal during the H1N1 pandemic in 2009, where her leadership helped coordinate the global response to the outbreak. She also contributed to the understanding of avian influenza and its potential to cause pandemics in humans.

Awards and Recognition

Nancy Cox has received numerous awards for her contributions to public health and virology. In 2006, she was awarded the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary’s Award for Distinguished Service. In 2015, she received the Charles C. Shepard Science Award for lifetime scientific achievement.

Retirement and Legacy

After retiring from the CDC in 2014, Cox continued to be active in the field of virology. She has served as a consultant and advisor to various public health organizations and continues to contribute to scientific research and policy development.

Her legacy in the field of virology is marked by her dedication to improving global health through the study and prevention of influenza. Her work has laid the foundation for ongoing research and response strategies to combat influenza outbreaks.

Related Pages

• Virology
• Influenza
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• World Health Organization