Ashland Alumna named director of Office of Emergency Management at Johns Hopkins Hospital

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.”