Michelle McMurry-Heath facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michelle McMurry-Heath
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McMurry-Heath in 2020
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| Education | Harvard University (BS) Duke University (MD, PhD) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Health policy |
| Institutions | Biotechnology Innovation Organization, Johnson & Johnson, Food and Drug Administration |
Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath is a medical doctor and an expert in how our bodies fight off sickness (an immunologist). From June 2020 to October 2022, she was the chief executive officer (CEO) for the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO). This organization works with many companies that create new medicines and health technologies.
Early Life and Education
Michelle McMurry-Heath was born and grew up in Oakland, California. Her mother was a nurse who worked to improve public health, and her father was a psychologist.
When she started college at Harvard University, she first studied art history and psychology. But she soon changed her mind and decided to study biochemistry instead. This is the science of living things and chemicals.
She then went on to Duke University. There, she made history as the first Black student to finish their special MD/PhD program. This program lets students become both a medical doctor (MD) and a research scientist (PhD). Her PhD was in immunology, which is the study of how our bodies fight off diseases.
Career in Science and Policy
After finishing her studies, Dr. McMurry-Heath spent 12 years working in scientific research. Later, she decided to work in science policy. This means helping to create rules and laws about science.
From 2001 to 2004, she worked for Senator Joe Lieberman. She even helped write a bill in 2002 to prepare for possible bioterrorism attacks. This bill aimed to protect people from diseases that could be used as weapons.
While working with the Aspen Institute, she helped start a program about health, science, and society. She also taught health policy at George Washington University. In 2010, she joined the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA is a government group that makes sure medicines and medical devices are safe. At the FDA, she worked to build partnerships with groups that create medical devices.
In late 2014, she became an executive at Johnson & Johnson, a large health company. Her leadership role grew over time.
In June 2020, Dr. McMurry-Heath became the CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO). This group represents hundreds of biotech companies. Many of these companies developed the COVID-19 vaccines. At BIO, she led a special group focused on finding COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. In 2021, some people thought she might be chosen to lead the FDA.
Dr. McMurry-Heath left her role as CEO of BIO on October 11, 2022. She still advises the board of the organization.
Other Important Roles
- She was a special fellow with the AAAS. This group helps connect science with public policy.
- She was also a scholar with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, focusing on health and society.
- She has worked with the Council on Foreign Relations, which studies international issues.
- From 2018 to 2020, she led the NESTcc Governing Committee.
- She is a member of the AAAS Committee on Science, Engineering and Public Policy (COSEPP).
Personal Life
Dr. McMurry-Heath is married to Sebastian Heath, who is a veterinarian (an animal doctor). They have one daughter and live in Washington, D.C.
