Announcing New Staff On The HSP Team
Over the last month, the HSP team has been growing. We're thrilled to introduce Jay Miller and Olivia Bundschuh who both bring a diversity of experience to our team.
Jay Miller
Position: Program Manager
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Previous Experience & Education: 7 years of experience in global health program management and outbreak/disaster response; MSPH, Microbiology and Emerging Infectious Diseases
What attracted you to working for HSP?
“I’ve been fortunate to work on a wide range of global health, development and security projects throughout my career, and during this time, I’ve gained an appreciation for efforts that focus actively on sustainability through local capacity building. In this guise, and with respect to the pillars of education, collaboration, and stewardship, I believe HSP’s core values are in alignment with what I’ve come to view as the best path forward to a safer world.”
Why is health security important to you?
“Over the past 7 years, I’ve lived and worked in parts of the world where health security measures were often limited and, in some cases, non-existent. I’ve witnessed some of the devastating things that can take place when not enough is done to combat biological threats. Even here in United States, where we benefit from the protection of a vast public health infrastructure and a wealth of highly educated medical professionals, we are still at risk. I understand health security as not only a global concern, but also see it as an opportunity for international cooperation and advancement.”
What are your particular areas of interest within health security?
“My particular areas of interest in health security lie in outbreak preparedness and response, and in health education and capacity building. Prior to joining HSP, I coordinated and eventually led medical and surgical missions in South America and sub-Saharan Africa, managed disaster and recovery operations during the West African Ebola outbreak, and worked to implement OneHealth-focused threat reduction programs across the African continent. I’m looking forward to bringing this experience to the HSP team.”
What is your favorite aspect of life in DC?
“The city is incredibly diverse and filled with interesting people who are looking to make a difference. Washington can be intense at times, but I’ve always appreciated the unique opportunities that can be found here.”
Would you rather be stuck on an island alone or with someone who talks too much?
“I’d prefer to be stuck with someone who talks too much. Assuming our eventual plan is to get off of the island, it would be nice to have another person around to help build a boat.”
Olivia Bundschuh
Position: Health Security Intern
Hometown: Freehold, NJ
Education: B.S. in Policy Analysis and Management from Cornell University expected in May 2018
What attracted you to working for HSP?
“I especially appreciate the innovative approach that HSP takes towards health security. They engage thinkers at the community level to generate and accomplish initiatives. Additionally, I value the variety of the organization’s scopes of work that provide me with many opportunities to learn from.”
What are your particular areas of interest within health security?
“As my knowledge of the field is developing, I have become very interested in focusing on the multiple functions of development programs. By strengthening the health systems in a community, it not only reduces biological threats, but also directly leads to improved care for local people.”
What impact do you see HSP’s programs having on the world?
“I have greatly been impressed with the enthusiasm for improvement that HSP programs generate among many in the health security community. Participants have an enormous sense of optimism about the change they can make for their countries. I believe that HSP’s most significant impact will be its aid in developing a global community.”
What is your favorite aspect of life in DC?
“I am so grateful for the warm DC weather, which is a huge improvement compared to what I am used to. My new favorite pastime has been reading in my local park and watching all of the dogs that pass. I also have been trying to take advantage of the different dining options available that I have never tried before.”
Would you rather go into the past and meet your ancestors or go into the future and meet your great-great grandchildren?
“I would rather go into the past to meet my ancestors. I feel due to immigrating to the United States and bad record keeping that much of my family history and traditions have been forgotten. Thus, I would love to have the opportunity to learn more about where I come from.”
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