An expert in epidemiology and data science, Lauren Ancel Meyers is a pandemic modeler who designs equitable and effective strategies for combating the spread of infectious diseases.

Meyers is a professor of integrative biology, statistics and data sciences, and population health at the University of Texas at Austin. As executive director of the UT COVID-19 Modeling Consortium, she guides a large team in building forecasting tools and designing mitigation strategies. She regularly advises the WHO, CDC, and policymakers worldwide. Meyers has led numerous university-wide activities, including building UT’s Department of Statistics and Data Sciences, chairing two strategic planning initiatives, and serving on UT’s Executive Faculty Council and Budget Council.

Meyers is president and co-founder of the Center for Advanced Pathogen Threat and Response Simulation, which aims to revolutionize the science and practice of pandemic preparedness. She serves on advisory boards for the Santa Fe Institute, UCLA’s Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics, and the NIH’s Infectious Diseases, Reproductive Health, Asthma and Pulmonary Conditions Study Section. In addition to her scholarly publications, she brings science to wider audiences through frequent lectures and media interviews.

As a Harvard College student, she was a member of the Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations, the Signet Society, and the Phillips Brooks House Association.

“I passionately believe that breaking down barriers between scholars, communities, and decision- makers is key to tackling our biggest societal challenges and advancing global well-being. I want to support Harvard in empowering our students to lead our world effectively and ethically.”