Danielle Buttke DVM/PHD ’10 was named as one of the 2017-18 Public Engagement Fellows with the AAAS Alan I. Leshner Leadership Institute for Public Engagement with Science. According to the AAAS press release, “Buttke is one of 15 infectious disease researchers to have demonstrated leadership and excellence in their research careers, and interest in promoting meaningful dialogue between science and society.”

Buttke is currently acting epidemiology branch chief and one health coordinator with the National Park Service. She is one of two epidemiologists for the National Park Service and specializes in zoonotic disease and ecological drivers of infectious disease. Prior to joining the National Park Service, she served as an epidemic intelligence service officer at the CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health. “I’m interested in using public interest in personal health as a way to increase support for public green space,” says Buttke. “I’m also interested in enhancing public understanding of how human actions can drive infectious disease spread through a variety of avenues, including school programs, websites, and smart phone apps. Buttke earned her DVM/PhD from Cornell University in 2010.

Buttke will join her fellow AAAS Public Engagement Fellows  in June 2017 at AAAS headquarters in Washington, DC for a week of intensive public engagement and science communication training, networking, and public engagement plan development. After the training, AAAS Public Engagement Fellows will return to their institutions with resources and connections to develop and implement public engagement activities, opportunities for training other scientists in their communities, and increased capacity for public engagement leadership. AAAS staff will provide ongoing support and continuing professional development throughout their fellowship year.