James Montavon

James Montavon is a dedicated professional in biosecurity and pandemic prevention, currently serving as the Far-UVC Deputy Director at Blueprint Biosecurity. In this role, he leads efforts to accelerate the development and adoption of Far-UVC light as a scalable tool to mitigate global endemic and pandemic risks, including contributing to the comprehensive 'Far-UVC Blueprint'. His work focuses on translating scientific promise into practical solutions for airborne disease transmission. blueprintbiosecurity+4

With a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology and a background in psychology, James combines scientific rigor with an understanding of human behavior in public health. His experience includes working as a Communicable Disease Training Specialist for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, where he developed and delivered training on high-consequence pathogens, as well as roles in wastewater pathogen monitoring, infectious disease modeling, and contact tracing. blueprintbiosecurity+3

Beyond his professional endeavors, James is a proponent of effective altruism, having taken the 'Giving What We Can' pledge. He articulates a philosophy of giving that focuses on maximizing positive impact in the world, directing his donations to global health initiatives like building a maternal center of excellence in Sierra Leone. youtube+2

James served as a Squad Leader in the United States Marine Corps, providing him with a foundation in leadership and disciplined execution. This military background, combined with his diverse research experience in biosafety, public health response, and social science, highlights a robust and multidisciplinary approach to addressing complex challenges. blueprintbiosecurity+3