Tip Sheets

Cornell experts available to discuss coronavirus vaccine

Media Contact

Gillian Smith

If you are interested in other angles, please find experts on science and public health implications of coronavirusthe pandemic's impact on the economy and industries, COVID's effects on countries around the world and broader societal impact.


Luis Schang

Professor of Chemical Virology

Dr. Luis Schang is a molecular virologist interested in the interactions between viruses and cells, interactions which determine the outcomes of the infection and, consequently, pathogenicity. His research answers fundamental questions on molecular virology while identifying biologically active small molecule scaffolds that may be developed as antivirals. He is available to discuss virology and the science of how vaccines work. 

Sarah Kreps

Professor of Government

Sarah Kreps recently published a study in JAMA Network Open showing that if an initial COVID-19 vaccine is about as effective as a flu shot, uptake by the American public may fall far short of the 70% level needed to achieve herd immunity. She says a highly effective vaccine exceeding most prior estimates could be a game changer with the public.

Hector Aguilar-Carreno

Associate Professor of Microbiology & Immunology

Hector Aguilar-Carreno's research focuses on the search for antiviral agents with broad antiviral applications, with a special interest in those to be used against enveloped viruses. He is available to discuss the work he is doing on a vaccine for COVID-19 and the science behind vaccines in general. 

Douglas L. Kriner

Professor of Government

Douglas Kriner recently published a study in JAMA Network Open showing that if an initial COVID-19 vaccine is about as effective as a flu shot, uptake by the American public may fall far short of the 70% level needed to achieve herd immunity. He says the research shows these efficacy levels would play a key role in convincing a skeptical public to take the vaccine. 

Sean Nicholson

Professor of Policy and Analysis Management, Director of the Sloan program

Sean Nicholson is currently conducting research in three areas: the causes of regional variations in medical spending; the value of new medical technologies; and innovation in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. He is available to discuss the development of COVID-19 vaccines from a variety of perspectives, including health care systems, insurance companies, and policies. He can also weigh in on the topic of vaccine distribution. 

Colleen Carey

Assistant Professor of Policy Analysis & Management

Colleen Carey's research informs the design of publicly-subsidized health insurance markets such as the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. She is available to discuss the development of COVID-19 vaccines from a variety of perspectives, including health care systems, insurance companies, and policies. She can also weigh in on the topic of vaccine distribution. 

Cynthia Leifer

Associate Professor of Immunology

Cynthia Leifer, associate professor immunology, is available to discuss molecular biology and cell biology, and how that area of science is important in developing vaccines. She has also done a lot of work on talking about why people choose to not be vaccinated as well as communication around it.  

Cornell University has television, ISDN and dedicated Skype/Google+ Hangout studios available for media interviews.