Celine Nadon (PhD) is a scientist and public servant.  She first developed an interest in infectious diseases transmitted by food and water during her studies at the University of Manitoba, earning Bachelor and Master of Science degrees.  This interest led her to Cornell University (New York), where she obtained her doctorate in 2003, studying microbes like Listeria (a notorious disease-causing bacteria), and learning epidemiology, the study of how diseases are transmitted through the world’s populations.

After a decade in University and years working in a laboratory, her first job was with the U.S. Federal Government where she translated science to policymaking during a four-year post-doctoral fellowship.  It was there in Washington, D.C. that she cut her teeth on the importance of a scientist’s ability to communicate with lawmakers, policy writers, and the public.

She landed her dream job, leading Canada’s foodborne disease outbreak detection and response system, in 2006, which meant that after eight years in the United States, she returned to Winnipeg!    She’s currently the Chief of Enteric Diseases Surveillance, Outbreak Detection and Response at Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory, leading national surveillance programs for infectious diseases transmitted by food and water, and her laboratory continuously monitors for and investigates outbreaks of foodborne disease using cutting edge technology.  She’s also an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Manitoba’s College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.

Celine has published dozens of papers, routinely lectures around the world, mentors graduate students, and has consulted for the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.  She specializes in the practical application of science and technology to solve public health problems, and in communicating science to those who need to know about it (a.k.a., everyone!).

Outside of the lab Celine can be found on a small acreage north of Winnipeg with her husband and two kids, two Newfoundland dogs, and a small flock of backyard chickens.  She and her family love exploring Manitoba’s wilderness together by hiking, backpacking, and skiing.