OU Hudson College of Public Health PhD Student Accepted into CDC's Prestigious Epidemic Intelligence Service

We are thrilled to announce that Mr. Ozair Naqvi, a PhD student in the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, has been accepted into the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS), Class of 2025. This remarkable achievement highlights Ozair’s dedication to advancing public health and his commitment to applying his expertise to real-world health challenges.

The Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) is a globally recognized applied epidemiology training program that has been at the forefront of public health for over 70 years. Established in 1951, the EIS has trained more than 4,000 disease detectives who have responded to some of the most pressing public health emergencies and challenges worldwide. Acceptance into this prestigious program is a testament to Ozair’s skill, leadership, and potential as a future public health leader.

As an EIS officer, Ozair will undergo a rigorous 2-year hands-on service fellowship where he will work alongside CDC subject matter experts, investigating and responding to disease outbreaks and other public health threats. The training consists of 90% hands-on experience through field assignments under the mentorship of experienced epidemiologists and 10% structured classroom learning. EIS officers, often referred to as the CDC's "disease detectives," play a critical role in identifying causes of health emergencies, implementing control measures, and guiding evidence-based public health interventions.

EIS officers serve both domestically and internationally, and Ozair’s selection into this program marks him as one of the next generation of epidemiologists trained to protect public health on a global scale. His acceptance into the EIS program is not only a significant personal accomplishment but also a proud moment for the OU Hudson College of Public Health, as it reflects the quality and impact of our educational programs.

Ozair is pursuing his PhD in infectious disease epidemiology, with his research focused on investigating co-infections of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus among children and adolescents. He is mentored by Dr. Amanda Janitz, assistant professor of epidemiology, and Dr. Aaron Wendelboe, a graduate of the EIS Class of 2006. Ozair's academic journey began at the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a BS in Microbiology in 2015. He then started his public health career at the Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD) as part of the Consumer Protection team. After completing his MS in Epidemiology at the OU Hudson College of Public Health in 2018, he worked as an epidemiologist at OCCHD and later at the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) Acute Disease Service.

During his time at OSDH, Ozair investigated over 44 different state reportable conditions and actively contributed to 16 outbreak responses, including high-profile public health emergencies such as COVID-19, Mpox, and EVALI. His work as an accomplished scholar includes 11 peer-reviewed publications, as well as 30+ guest lectures, conference posters, and oral presentations. Additionally, Ozair has demonstrated a deep commitment to student life and service at the OU Hudson College of Public Health, serving as President of the Biostatistics and Epidemiology Student Association and Vice President of the College of Public Health Student Association.

Congratulations to Ozair on this well-deserved honor. We look forward to seeing the important contributions he will make in the fight to protect the health of populations worldwide.