The COVID-19 Pandemic

This book provides an overview of the science and technology that helps us understand the trajectory, i.e., genomics, epidemiology, and health care of the COVID-19 pandemic, its virus, and pathogenicity. Topics that are covered include how the virus is impacting our health care system and the economy. Simulation modeling used to predict the spread of the virus and risk of infection in America and globally is included, as well as the critical role of communication in pandemic response.

An important focus is synthetic biology, notably employed in the development and production of effective diagnostics that can be rapidly deployed and development of vaccines in unlimited quantity. US and global production of vaccine is discussed. Most importantly, treatment of patients infected with the virus that includes telemedicine and virtual reality for remote intensive care settings is a significant aspect of the discussion. Biotechnology plays a major role in responding to the COVID-19pandemic and advances utilized in the engineering sciences are introduced.

Rita Colwell is a Distinguished University Professor at the University of Maryland at College Park and at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, senior advisor and chairman emeritus at Canon US Life Sciences, Inc., and president and chairman of CosmosID, Inc.

Her interests are focused on global infectious diseases, water, and health. She served as the eleventh director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) from 1998 to 2004. In her capacity as NSF director, she served as co-chair of the Committee on Science of the National Science and Technology Council. Before joining NSF, Dr. Colwell was president of the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute and a professor of microbiology and biotechnology. She was also a member of the National Science Board from 1984 to 1990.

Joseph M. Rosen is an Adjunct Professor of Engineering and Professor of Surgery, Geisel School of Medicine, at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. He has 25 years of experience in studying pandemics for the US government. He is an active academic surgeon with 40 years of experience in biotechnology and research. He has been involved in leading and directing many research programs; these include reconstructive peripheral nerve surgery, transplantation, robotics, regenerative medicine, synthetic biology, virtual reality, augmented reality, simulation, artificial intelligence and healthcare systems and pandemic response. He is currently an active surgeon, researcher and teacher.