The Health Observatory at ASU takes an action-oriented approach to produce real-time and holistic data guiding decision makers on state, national and international challenges. Interdisciplinary teams from across ASU work together to solve complex challenges across all fields of health care.
Dave Engelthaler is the Executive Director of the Health Observatory at ASU and a Professor and the Director of TGen North, the infectious disease branch of the Translational Genomics Research Institute. Dave oversees a number of pathogen research groups, and his teams also provide genomic services to the Centers for Disease Control, state, local and tribal health departments, and healthcare institutions. Dave was previously the Arizona State Epidemiologist and State Biodefense Coordinator and a biologist for the CDC. He has published over 175 scientific papers and chapters on epidemiology, disease ecology, and genetics and has over two dozen patented inventions.
Timothy Lant directs a research portfolio of federal, state, and local projects at the intersection of mathematical epidemiology, health equity, disaster science, the environment, infrastructure, and climate. He was the lead scientist for the Arizona COVID-19 Epi-Modeling Task Force, served as the Director of the Division of Analytic Decision Support within the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Dr. Lant led a team of scientists and subject matter experts to predict the medical and public health consequences from infectious diseases – including the 2013 H7N9 Influenza outbreak in China, the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Western Africa, and the 2016 international Zika outbreak – and terrorist attacks with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons.
Rebecca Sunenshine is the Medical Director of the Health Observatory at ASU and a retired Captain in the US Public Health Service. Rebecca oversees the population health and healthcare activities of the Health Observatory relying on over 21 years of experience in federal, state and local public health, most recently serving as the Chief Medical Officer for Maricopa County Department of Public Health. She is a physician trained in internal medicine and infectious diseases at the Oregon Health and Science University and completed the CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service fellowship in 2006 with the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion. Her over 60 peer-reviewed research and publications cover a broad range of public health topics, including healthcare associated infections, infectious disease epidemiology, the health effects of heat and coccidioidomycosis. She is also the proud recipient of the 2024 Arizona Public Health Association Pete Wertheim Public Health Leadership Award.
Denise Lopez is responsible for oversight of all operational and business aspects of the Health Observatory at ASU. She works within, across, and beyond ASU and Arizona to coordinate projects that will address the most pressing public health issues and carry out the Health Observatory’s mission. Denise comes to ASU with more 20 years’ experience in non-profit, managed healthcare and government settings. She has a proven track record of facilitating collaborative efforts, and leading data-driven projects that improve community level outcomes.
Dr. Vel Murugan is a molecular biologist with extensive expertise in diagnostic test development and implementation, multiomics-based AI-driven biomarker discovery, molecular mechanisms of respiratory infections, vaccine immunology, and translational research. He serves as Research Professor and Director of Clinical Research at the Health Observatory, College of Health Solutions, and the Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics at Arizona State University.
Christine Talbot is a project manager and clinical researcher. Originally from Massachusetts, she has conducted research with Boston Center for Memory, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Brandeis University. In Christine's role at the Health Observatory, she is focused on projects that create health insights for better health outcomes in Arizona.
Susan Massey is an Applied Mathematician and Research Software Engineer in the Research Technology Office of ASU's Knowledge Enterprise and the Health Observatory. Susan is also a cyberinfrastructure facilitator in the Cross-Institutional Research Engagement Network (CIREN).
Education
MPH, Public Health, University of Arizona (2022)
BS, Biological Sciences and Applied Quantitative Science, Arizona State University (2019)
Student Information
Undergraduate Student
English
The College of Lib Arts & Sci
Sam is a passionate qualitative researcher and social scientist investigating how to enhance health outcomes and experiences across healthcare and public safety domains. Her current work as a PostDoc at the School of Complex Adaptive Systems (SCAS) focuses on improving the fairness and effectiveness of AI applications in fire departments and emergency medical services (EMS). This research aims to ensure AI tools in public safety are equitable, effective, and account for potential biases in their development and implementation.
With over 20 years of experience as a Business Analyst and Project Manager, Kathryn brings deep expertise in public health and big data management. She holds a master’s degree in Epidemiology and a graduate certificate in Clinical Research Management. Kathryn has led initiatives across diverse industries, including the Florida Department of Health, where she played a key role in designing and implementing MERLIN—a statewide, web-based system for integrated laboratory and communicable disease reporting.
Yang Xu is a Data Scientist Principal for KE Office of Vice President for Research Development - Health Observatory
Steven Holland is a Assistant Research Scientist for Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics.
LaRinda Holland is a Research Specialist Sr for Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics.
Veronica Boyle is a Clinical Lab Technician for Biodesign Clinical Testing Laboratory.
Chau Tran is a Research Specialist Sr for Biodesign Clinical Testing Laboratory.
Anna Gaylord is a Data Analyst Associate for Office of VP Research Development.
Glen Otero is a Lead Scientific Software Eng for Research Technology Office.
