Michael Osterholm is the Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota, recognized as one of the leading public health experts on pandemics and biosecurity. He has advised multiple U.S. administrations on infectious disease preparedness and response. Osterholm served as a science envoy for health security at the U.S. Department of State, working on global health diplomacy. He is a frequent media commentator on COVID-19, influenza, and emerging pathogens, providing evidence-based guidance for policy and the public. His book Deadliest Enemy outlines strategies for preventing and managing future pandemics. Through CIDRAP, he drives research on vaccines, diagnostics, and public health systems to improve global resilience.