This week we welcome back Dr. Lisa Brosseau for a discussion on respirators and masking. After 2 years of COVID-19 research and real world experience what have we learned? Dr. Brosseau, now retired, was a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) School of Public Health from 2015 to 2018, where she was director of the Illinois Education and Research Center, which supported graduate and continuing education for occupational health and safety professionals and community outreach activities. She was also director of the UIC Center for Healthy Work.

 

Dr. Brosseau began her career as an academic researcher and educator at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, where she directed the Industrial Hygiene Program. Her early research focused on the performance of respirator filters when exposed to hazardous aerosols such as silica and asbestos, and later expanded to include biological and infectious organisms. Her more recent research focused on respirator fit, using real-time methods and simulated workplace tasks to better understand how fit is influenced by realistic head and body motions. She continues to serve as a mentor and technical advisor on research projects and for businesses and organizations, including The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP). CIDRAP is a center within the University of Minnesota that focuses on addressing public health preparedness and emerging infectious disease response.

 

Dr. Brosseau has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, delivered numerous platform research presentations, and has been an invited speaker at numerous local, national and international conferences and workshops. She has written several articles for CIDRAP focused on respiratory protection for healthcare and other workers during outbreaks and pandemics.