Faten Okda, DVM, MS, PhD

Faten Okda, DVM, MS, PhD, is an experienced veterinary medicine academic researcher with a demonstrated history of working in the molecular and diagnostic virology research and services industry. In addition to veterinary medicine, her areas of interest include public health, clinical pathology, microbiology, virology and molecular biology. She obtained her Master’s degree from Cairo University, her PhD from South Dakota State University and is currently a postdoctoral research associate of molecular and diagnostic virology in influenza and COVID-19 research laboratories at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  

In addition, she serves on the faculty in the National Research Center in Egypt. Dr. Okda holds several memberships in multiple professional associations including the American College of Veterinary Microbiology and Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance (CEIRS). She has received several awards of recognition and holds several commercial licensed discoveries in her area of expertise. She has numerous publications and has experience as a reviewer and editor in multiple prestigious journals. She enjoys teaching at the St. Jude Graduate Biomedical School and is a reviewer for Pediatric Oncology education. 

Dr. Okda serves in leadership roles for several organizations including Co-Vice Chair of Outreach and Vice Chair for Diversity in the Postdoctoral Leadership Council (PDLC). She is also an Outreach Coordinator for the National Postdoctoral Association. She has been an active member of the BioTN Academic Alliance and is excited to serve another term as institutional liaison for St. Jude and her newly appointed position of Public Policy Director for the Chapter.