Saskia v. Popescu, PhD, MPH, MA, CIC, FAPIC
Saskia v. Popescu, PhD, MPH, MA, CIC is an infection preventionist and infectious disease epidemiologist. Currently, she serves as a senior fellow at the Council on Strategic Risks, where she works to address global health security issues, including national policies impacting health care readiness and biodefense. Saskia is also an assistant professor at George Mason University, teaching courses on health care preparedness and epidemiology in policy. She holds a PhD in biodefense from George Mason University, where her research focused on the political and economic obstacles to investing in infection prevention, a MPH in infectious disease epidemiology, a MA in international security studies--both from the University of Arizona. Prior to her work at CSR, Saskia helped lead global health response at Netflix and was a senior infection preventionist with HonorHealth in Arizona. She has worked with the WHO, supported multiple NASEM workshops and reports, and supports NGO engagement within the Biological Weapons Convention at the UN. Saskia’s work is on building health care biopreparedness and readiness for infectious disease threats, especially in larger global health security efforts.
Articles
Differences in Attitudes Toward COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccines Revealed by Hesitancy Trends
January 3rd 2024Survey shows people think the influenza vaccine is safer than the COVID-19 vaccine. This is concerning as COVID-19 is more prevalent and hospitalizes more people. This could result in low vaccine uptake.
Hot Topics in IPC: Influenza, COVID-19, and Mechanical Ventilation and Drug-Resistant Pathogens
November 3rd 2023In this Hot Topics in IPC, Saskia v. Popescu, PhD, MPH, MA, CIC, FAPIC, discusses her concerns about COVID-19 and influenza for this winter, and mechanical ventilation and drug-resistant pathogens.
Navigating the Confluence of Respiratory Pathogens: Preparing for the Winter Triple Threat
September 30th 2023Medical investigators are concerned about a triple threat this winter with COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. Vaccination is crucial, but distribution challenges remain. Wearing masks, hand hygiene, and ventilation is important to prevent infections. Hospitals need comprehensive plans to respond efficiently.
Infection Prevention: A Collaborative Effort Among Patients, HCPs, and Family Members
July 18th 2022Infection preventionists are not alone, despite how the COVID-19 pandemic has often made them feel. They are one point of the patient's triad--and the bonds within the triad are vital for the patient's outcome.
Hot Topics in Infection Prevention: Thank You, IPs; Handling ‘Flurona’; CDC Quarantine Guidelines
January 12th 2022Infection preventionists have been rocks throughout this pandemic and they now have to gear themselves again as they enter this frustratingly complex, nuanced, and challenging next phase.
