Joseph DeFranco

Joseph DeFranco is a Ph.D. student studying prion biology at Colorado State University. He previously served as a CDC/APHL COVID-19 Fellow working at the Ohio Department of Health, a Scholar Fellow of the Defense Operational Cognitive Sciences section of the Strategic Multilayer Assessment Branch (Joint Staff, Pentagon), a Donovan Group Biosecurity Fellow at the U.S. Special Operations Command, and was on the staff of Congressman Donald S. Beyer (VA-08) assisting his efforts on the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Joe is the author of several international peer-reviewed publications, U.S. government white papers, and Army TRADOC Mad Scientist Laboratory reports that have addressed the intersection of brain science, biodefense, and national security. He also has laboratory experience at the National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases as well as the Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study. Joe is from the northern Virginia area and enjoys golf, live music, and triathlon training.