Dr. Leilani Francisco became the Director of the Data Coordinating and Analysis Center (DCAC) in support of MHRP and EIDB in 2019, and currently provides oversight to 21 staff on close to 60 clinical research protocols. DCAC is a central clinical data management and data analysis facility that provides comprehensive data management, programming, biostatistical support, and associated trainings for most of the clinical trials and scientific research studies conducted by MHRP and EIDB. She also oversees the development of the MHRP/EIDB/HJF Big Data Warehouse, public data sharing, and MHRP/EIDB/HJF safety monitoring committee activities.
Dr. Francisco received her doctorate in International Public Health from Johns Hopkins University and is also certified in program evaluation and project management (PMP). She has over 25 years of experience in the field of international public health research and evaluation with a focus on HIV and other emerging infectious diseases. Prior to joining MHRP, while at EcoHealth Alliance, Dr. Francisco served as the Global Director for Behavioral Risk Surveillance supporting 28 countries, and as the Partner Lead for Ecological and Biological Human Surveillance supporting 11 countries on USAID PREDICT, the largest study aimed at preventing the spread of zoonotic emerging infectious diseases around the globe. While at Booz Allen Hamilton, she managed a portfolio of global health contracts valued at over $20 million. Over the course of her career, she has coupled her scientific experience with extensive management expertise to inform sustainable evidence-based decision making and to improve population health.