Dr Lee H. Harrison is Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh, where he serves as Associate Chief of Epidemiology and Microbial Genomics and Director of the Center for Genomic Epidemiology.

His research focuses on the epidemiology and genomic epidemiology of infectious diseases. He has studied a wide range of clinically important bacterial and viral pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, group B Streptococcus, Neisseria meningitidis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridioides difficile.

A major focus of Dr Harrison’s work is the use of whole-genome sequencing and electronic health record data to improve the detection and investigation of healthcare-associated transmission. This research has demonstrated how prospective genomic surveillance can identify outbreaks and transmission links that may remain undetected using conventional approaches.

Dr Harrison also practises as an infectious diseases physician at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital and has extensive experience in research, clinical care, outbreak investigation and the training of future infectious disease specialists and epidemiologists. His expertise helps inform NGD’s scientific approach to genomic surveillance and its practical application within hospitals.

Areas of expertise

• Infectious disease epidemiology

• Genomic epidemiology

• Healthcare-associated transmission

• Outbreak detection and investigation

• Whole-genome sequencing surveillance