PNNL

Lane Warmbrod, a research analysist specializing in biological and chemical weapons nonproliferation at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), was invited to join the editorial board for Frontiers in Microbiology in the microbial forensics section. Warmbrod was also asked to join the editorial board for Health Security. 

With an impact factor of 6.064, Frontiers in Microbiology is “the largest and most cited microbiology journal that advances our understanding of the role microbes play in addressing global challenges such as healthcare, food security, and climate change.” (frontiersin.org) Frontier’s mission and goal is to “make science open – so that scientists can collaborate better and innovate faster to deliver the solutions that enable healthy lives on a healthy planet.” (frontiersin.org)

In her role as review editor for Frontiers in Microbiology, Warmbrod will be focused on ancient DNA and forensic microbiology. This specialty section is “devoted to communicating cutting-edge research on all facets of evolutionary and microbial processes and the applied aspects, allowing us to solve complicated biological, anthropological, archaeological, and legal puzzles like never before.” (frontiersin.org) This section welcomes manuscripts on topics such as autopsy microbiology, bioterrorism and biological warfare, microbiomes of ancient specimens, and more.

Warmbrod will join the board with years of biological and microbial genetics research experience. At PNNL since 2022, Warmbrod’s research focuses on progressing national and global security by improving biosecurity and biosafety guidelines, advising federal and international agencies about activities to advance national security and public health through biotechnology, and providing tools to improve health security.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Warmbrod was called to the World Health Organization to support their response to the pandemic. There, she was a member of the Incident Management Support Team and collected and analyzed data to inform response and guidance development. Warmbrod also served as the pandemic health advisor to Washington State Governor Jay Inslee during the pandemic.