PARTNER
SPOTLIGHT
Training an Interprofessional Workforce to respond to Vector‑Borne Diseases in the Gulf South
Dr. Susanne Straif‑Bourgeois brings more than 30 years of experience in infectious disease epidemiology, working across multiple countries and public health settings. Her academic training and early research centered on vector‑borne diseases, with master’s and doctoral work examining disease transmission pathways in blood‑feeding arthropods and malaria vector capacity in North Cameroon. These foundations shaped a career dedicated to understanding, detecting, and responding to emerging infectious diseases.
Field Experience in Louisiana
During her tenure as Louisiana Assistant State Epidemiologist, Dr. Straif‑Bourgeois led investigations into several major outbreaks, including Saint Louis Encephalitis in North Louisiana and the 2001 West Nile Virus epidemic, which marked a critical moment in Louisiana’s public health history.
Role in the Gulf South VECTOR Collaborative
Dr. Straif‑Bourgeois has been part of the Gulf South VECTOR Collaborative since its inception. She currently contributes to the Animal Welfare Committee, where she develops and delivers educational lectures (in‑person and online), designs a vector‑borne tabletop exercise to simulate outbreak scenarios and supports interprofessional training aligned with the One Health approach.
Dr. Straif‑Bourgeois’ goal is to prepare professionals to effectively manage emerging vector‑borne diseases and respond to future outbreaks through coordinated action.
