Strong leadership is vital to limiting the risk that animal diseases pose to human health. Working both upstream and downstream requires adept and knowledgeable leaders. Stephan Singleton is an example for us all.

In completing her public health residency with the Center for Animal Health and Food Safety at the University of Minnesota in 2008, Singleton worked with a variety of organizations including the Minnesota Department of Health, the National Pork Board, and the United States Department of Agriculture and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services (USDA-APHIS-VS).

In August, Singleton took on a new role as the case manager for the USDA-APHIS-Veterinary Services’ National Center for Import and Export.

As a public health professional, Singleton sees the threat of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases as our main public and animal health challenge. 

“As we continue to travel more and the population continues to grow, these diseases will continue circumventing the globe and showing up in new places,” says Singleton.

Taking steps to face this challenge, Singleton has given seminars to undergraduate and veterinary students to communicate this crucial message.

“It is imperative that we inform our leaders of tomorrow about these threats that will impact them,” she notes.

Singleton also believes that collaboration and partnering are essential in meeting the infectious disease threat.

“We have to continue to focus on bringing different disciplines and cultures together. These issues were not created in silos and definitely will not be solved in silos,” says Singleton.