C. LeAnn White
LeAnn White is the Center Director at USGS National Wildlife Health Center.
She received a PhD in Infectious Diseases and Pathology and a MPH in Epidemiology from the University of Florida. She joined USGS in 2009 as a Field Epidemiologist and studied the ecology of diseases in multiple systems with field work focuses on double-crested cormorants and sea otters. From 2014-2020 she served as Chief of the Wildlife Epidemiology and Emerging Diseases Branch and broadened her focus to include development of standards for wildlife disease data and the use of social sciences to influence conservation action. From 2020-2024, as Deputy Center Director, she assisted with day-to-day operations of the Center and incorporation of systems thinking into the planning and evaluation of science directions and business operations. As Center Director, she plans to focus on developing conditions (facilities, processes, and workforce) that will allow the Center to accomplish its vision of creating comprehensive solutions needed to improve wildlife health.
Professional Experience
2024-Present Center Director, USGS National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI
2020-2024 Deputy Center Directory, USGS National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI
2014-2020 Branch Chief, Wildlife Epidemiology and Emerging Diseases, USGS National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI
2009-14 Wildlife Epidemiologist, USGS National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI
2009 Wildlife Specialist, USDA/APHIS/Wildlife Services, Indiana
2008-09 Pre-doctoral NIH/NIAID NSRA T32 fellow, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
2005-08 Research Assistant, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
2003-08 Biological Scientist, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
2003 Research Technician, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Gainesville, FL
1999-03 Research Assistant, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
1998 Supervised Researcher, Department of Aquatic Toxicology, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, VA
Education and Certifications
2009-Doctor of Philosophy, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
2009-Master of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida
2003-Master of Science, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida
1998-Bachelor of Science in Biology. College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA
Science and Products
Response to “Prepublication communication of research results”: The need for a coordinated wildlife disease surveillance laboratory network
Identifying management-relevant research priorities for responding to disease-associated amphibian declines
Quarterly wildlife mortality report April 2018
Refining aging criteria for northern sea otters in Washington State
Environmental conditions synchronize waterbird mortality events in the Great Lakes
Mortality trends in northern sea otters (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) collected from the coasts of Washington and Oregon (2002–15)
Quarterly wildlife mortality report October 2017
Natural infections with pigeon paramyxovirus serotype 1: Pathologic changes in Eurasian collared-doves (Streptopelia decaocto) and rock pigeons (Columba livia) in the United States
Using decision analysis to support proactive management of emerging infectious wildlife diseases
U.S. Geological Survey science strategy for highly pathogenic avian influenza in wildlife and the environment (2016–2020)
Widespread detection of highly pathogenic H5 influenza viruses in wild birds from the Pacific Flyway of the United States
Spatial variation in risk and consequence of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans introduction in the USA
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Response to “Prepublication communication of research results”: The need for a coordinated wildlife disease surveillance laboratory network
Identifying management-relevant research priorities for responding to disease-associated amphibian declines
Quarterly wildlife mortality report April 2018
Refining aging criteria for northern sea otters in Washington State
Environmental conditions synchronize waterbird mortality events in the Great Lakes
Mortality trends in northern sea otters (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) collected from the coasts of Washington and Oregon (2002–15)
Quarterly wildlife mortality report October 2017
Natural infections with pigeon paramyxovirus serotype 1: Pathologic changes in Eurasian collared-doves (Streptopelia decaocto) and rock pigeons (Columba livia) in the United States
Using decision analysis to support proactive management of emerging infectious wildlife diseases
U.S. Geological Survey science strategy for highly pathogenic avian influenza in wildlife and the environment (2016–2020)
Widespread detection of highly pathogenic H5 influenza viruses in wild birds from the Pacific Flyway of the United States
Spatial variation in risk and consequence of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans introduction in the USA
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.