Walter Reed Army Institute of Research
Nelson Michael's work experience includes serving as the Director of the Center for Infectious Diseases Research at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research since 2019. Prior to that, they were an ORISE Fellow at the same institute from March 2019 to July 2019. From 2018 to 2019, they served as the Deputy Director of MHRP HJF at The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine. Nelson's earlier roles at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research include being a Transitioning Army Officer, Deputy Commander, Director of MHRP, Department Chief, and Research Physician from 1989 to 2018.
Nelson Michael attended Punahou School from 1971 to 1975. From 1975 to 1979, they pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from UCLA. Following that, from 1979 to 1986, they attended Stanford University School of Medicine where they earned both an M.D. and Ph.D. with a focus on Medicine and Cancer Biology. Finally, from 1986 to 1989, Nelson Michael studied Internal Medicine-MGH at Harvard Medical School.
Walter Reed Army Institute of Research
WRAIR provides unique research capabilities and innovative medical solutions to a range of Force Health Protection and Readiness challenges currently facing U.S. Service Members, along with threats anticipated during future operations. Through both times of peace and war, infectious diseases have killed, sickened, and disabled far more Service Members than bombs and bullets. WRAIR has created a model of vaccine and therapeutic development that is unique, nimble, and responsive to dynamically evolving infectious disease threats of military importance. WRAIR, with its unparalleled expertise, facilities, and international network, has developed many vaccines and drugs in use today by military and civilian medicine around the globe. In addition to protecting against infectious disease threats, WRAIR conducts basic and applied research that promotes psychological resilience, enhances neurological functioning, and improves operational readiness among U.S. Service Members. By using a continuum of research from basic science to applied field studies, WRAIR creates innovative solutions to enhance Service Members’ resilience and recovery. Research in military psychiatry and neuroscience has been an integral part of WRAIR's portfolio for more than 70 years. WRAIR researchers are recognized leaders in operational medical research for the military in a number of fields, including brain trauma, blast exposure, deployment stressors, and sleep management.