Michael J. Perry, DrPH, MSEd, MS

Dr. Michael Perry joined the Wadsworth Center in 2009 as a Research Scientist in the Biodefense Laboratory. He transitioned to the Laboratory Supervisor in 2014, the Associate Director in 2021, and finally to the Laboratory Director in 2024.

Dr. Perry holds various internal and external service positions, including chairing the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) Laboratory Response Network workgroup, a member of the APHL Biosafety and Biosecurity committee, a member of the APHL Public Health Preparedness and Response committee, and being a member of the Wadsworth Center's Institutional Biosafety Committee and Institutional Review Entity. The Wadsworth Center Biodefense Laboratory primary focus is analysis of clinical and environmental samples for the presence of highly pathogenic organisms.

The ability to rapidly detect and respond to the intentional release of pathogens and toxins is vital in protecting the health and well-being of New Yorkers. The intentional release of Bacillus anthracis through the US Postal Service in 2001 highlighted the need for improved diagnostics in the field of Biodefense. The Biodefense Laboratory develops, validates, and applies new technology in the field of applied diagnostics and is actively involved in training first responders and clinical laboratorians. The laboratory works with federal agencies such as the CDC, DHA, as well as innovative technology-based companies and manufacturers to develop, test, and validate cutting edge devices for the detection of biothreat agents.

Characterization and identification of biothreat agents is performed through analysis of multiple and varied sample types such as clinical specimens, food, water, powders, and other environmental samples. The Biodefense Laboratory isolates and detects numerous biothreat agents and develops molecular assays and immunoassays to detect these agents in clinical, food, water, and environmental samples. The Biodefense Laboratory can test for many high-risk pathogens and toxins that cause human and animal disease including Bacillus anthracis, Ricin Toxin, Brucella species, Burkholderia mallei, Burkholderia pseudomallei, Yersinia pestis, Francisella tularensis, Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia species, Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins, Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin, Ebola virus, and Orthopox viruses.

Awards and Honors

• 2024 - Laboratory Response Network - Biological - Excellence in Leadership Award
• 2024 - U.S. Food and Drug Administration Office of Regulatory Affairs Method Development and Training Award – Leveraging/Collaboration Award                                           
• 2023 - Association of Public Health Laboratories – Emerging Leader Award                                      
• 2023 - COVID-19 Pandemic Public Health Emergency Response Recognition                                    
• 2020 - Association of Public Health Laboratories – Silver Award                                                         
• 2020 - Association of Public Health Laboratories - Biosafety and Biosecurity Award
• 2019 - North America Global 3R's (Refinement, Replacement, and Reduction) AAALAC International Award
• 2017 - IAFP Travel Award for State or Provincial Health or Agricultural Department Employees Award
• 2016 Commissioner's Recognition Award, NYSDOH (Zika Response Team)
• 2015 Commissioner’s Recognition Award, NYSDOH (Legionella Outbreak Response Team)
• 2015 Commissioner’s Recognition Award, NYSDOH (Ebola virus Outbreak in West Africa Team)