Tracking Infectious Disease with Sam Cross '25

Bachelor of Science in Biology

St. Mary's Project

Hometown

Lutherville, MD

"It is my job to use the knowledge I have to educate those around me so they can protect themselves and others.”

Two people are smiling and holding a framed certificate in a room with blue walls. Shelves with books and plants are in the background. Signs on the wall read "Caring Corner."

Interested in epidemiology, Sam's professor recommended that he reach out to the College's own Health Services Department for ideas. As the healthcare team at SMCM was already a participant in the CDC's Influenza-like Illness Surveillance Network, Sam worked to develop a a questionnaire for current students that expanded upon the data that was being collected by Health Services.

The initial goal of his research was to investigate vaccine efficacy on campus. His research was eye-opening and revealed that the progression of the flu was not as cut-and-dried as people might expect. Ultimately, he is hopeful that his research will provide clues for developing a system to combat outbreaks of flu-like illnesses on campus.

Photo: Sam Cross '25 pictured with Director of Health Services Deborah Bello, BSN, RN-C.