Jeff Ryan, PhD, assistant professor at the Institute of Emergency Preparedness, Jacksonville, AL, State University, and Linda Olson, EdD, associate professor of family and community medicine and director of special projects, Office of Medical Education, UND medical school, signed books in May at the University Bookstore. The book, Pandemic Influenza: Emergency Planning and Community Preparedness, is written by Ryan and includes a chapter on the Spanish influenza outbreak of 1918, by Olson.

Ryan, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel with extensive background in preventive medicine, epidemiology, clinical trials and diagnostics development, also presented a talk and exercise for members of the MD Class of ’09 during their Dean’s Colloquium in the week before medical school commencement.  He has written more than 40 scientific, peer-reviewed journal articles and was the lead instructor and co-developer of the Pandemic Influenza Planning and Preparedness course taught at the Center for Domestic Preparedness in Anniston, AL.

Also author of the textbook, Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Containing and Preventing the Biological Threat, Ryan is a leading authority in biosecurity, biodefense, medical aspects of emergency management, homeland security planning and preparedness, and terrorism studies.