Amy Kircher is the co-director of the Collaboratory of the University of Minnesota and the director of the Food Protection and Defense Institute (FPDI), a Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence. She leads a talented staff and coordinates a research consortium of experts dedicated to interdisciplinary work to solve the world's challenges. Her current research includes public health, homeland security, identification and warning of global disasters, and supply chain disruptions. Prior to coming to the University of Minnesota, Amy held epidemiologist positions at NORAD - US Northern Command and with the United States Air Force where she worked on health informatics, biosurveillance, and data analytics. She has an extensive background in Homeland Security and Defense, supporting preparedness and response for real-world and exercise events. Amy completed her Doctorate in Public Health at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill.