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RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — Pia MacDonald, MPH, Ph.D., an infectious disease epidemiologist at RTI International, a nonprofit research institute, is available for media interviews on the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic, virus variants such as the newly announced Omicron variant, and planning for the holidays amid the ongoing public health crisis.
The World Health Organization has designated Omicron, originally discovered in South Africa, a variant of concern. Dr. MacDonald can provide insight on what is currently known about the variant and how it may impact holiday planning and travel.
In her current role at RTI, Dr. MacDonald works on emerging infectious diseases and strengthening capacity to prevent, detect and respond to disease outbreaks domestically and globally. She served as an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer within the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and led projects funded by the CDC, NIH, and the North Carolina Division of Public Health.
RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach—one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world’s most challenging problems.
For more information, visit www.rti.org.