Alumna Mary Brown (Ashland ’13, Forensic Biology) has recently been named director of the Office of Emergency Management at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Mary served as interim director prior to being named director, and as interim director Mary oversaw the Johns Hopkins Hospital Incident Command structure and was deeply involved in pandemic response activities, including the launch of the COVID-19 testing tent and COVID-19 vaccine clinics. Prior to that, she served as emergency management specialist, responding to more than 30 emergencies.
Following her time at Ashland,
Mary served as a Postbaccalaureate Research Fellow at the National Institutes
of Health, and then earned a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the Johns
Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
How did your time at Ashland
prepare you for the future?
“I believe every step taken,
including my time at Ashland University, plays a part in my success today as
Director of Emergency Management at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. One of the most
influential opportunities I took part of at Ashland was undergraduate research
in the Department of Biology. The individualized training I received by the
Posner Lab helped develop the skills needed to excel in a competitive research
fellowship at the National Institutes of Health post-graduation, which then
further opened doors as my career progressed. I am thankful for my time at
Ashland University to help build the solid foundation for where I am today.”
What was the best part
of your Ashland University experience?
“The best part of my
undergraduate experience has to be the life-long friendships I made while at
Ashland University. From the friends made through the Departments of Biology
and Chemistry, the Center of Religious Life, the Rec Center, and everywhere
else in between – I really cherish those friendships gained during my time at
Ashland.
Additionally, I would be remiss
not to mention convo being a highlight of my experience. Any graduate of
Ashland University can think back on their favorite meal in convo – mine was
salmon day! “
What were the highlights of the
AU Science Program for you?
“I took a variety of courses in
the Kettering Science Center as I pursued a Bachelor’s of Science degree from
Ashland University. The best part of my experience in the Science Program were
the faculty who every day demonstrated their passion for their work, were
committed to the success of their students, and provided countless
opportunities to challenge and prepare us for our future careers. I am grateful
for every Ashland University Science Program faculty member who helped me get
to where I am today as the first female Director of Emergency Management at The
Johns Hopkins Hospital.”
