Michael James Hillman

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Michael J. Hillman . Mike worked at CDC as a contractor for the Influenza Sequencing Activity (ISA)/ Influenza Genomics Team {IGT) in the Virus Surveillance and Diagnosis Branch of the Influenza Division from 2008. Mike joined the team as an FTE in 2011 where he served as a Biologist until 2016.

Mike served as a very productive member of the Influenza Genomics Team, producing genomic data that was critical for making vaccine strain decisions and in the surveillance of seasonal and zoonotic influenza strains. Mike's keen eye for efficiency, allowed him to give unique perspective on laboratory processes and provide valuable feedback on protocols in order to increase productivity and robustness. His work with IGT was recognized with two CDC awards as he was part of an interdisciplinary teams that won the Alexander I. Klimov award for Excellence in Influenza Vaccine and Antiviral Research and the NCIRD award for Domestic Public Health Partnering in 2015. Mike had great talent as a trainer and taught dozens of scientists from all over the world how to sequence and analyze influenza genomes.

Outside of work Mike had a variety of interests. He was a very talented Improv actor and worked with the crew of the improv comedy club Dad's Garage. He was also a very talented photographer. He loved music and the outdoors. He would take off on his own just to camp and take pictures. In 2016, Mike decided to quit CDC and pursue his love of photography as a career.

Mike's big gregarious personality, humor, and sincerity will be sorely missed by those that knew him. A memorial service for Mike will be held in Lewiston NY later in the summer.

Awards

Alexander I. Klimov Award for Excellence in Influenza Vaccine and Antiviral Research National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Viruses Public Health Partnering award Honored and "Coined" for response to the H1N1 2009 pandemic outbreak

Publications in:

Science

New England Journal of Medicine Development

Mammalian Genome

Accomplishments

Trained students in sequencing and evaluation of influenza genetics from:

Indonesia, Egypt, Vietnam, Iran, Iraq, India, Bangladesh, Brazil, Ecuador, China, Laos, Mongolia , France, Australia Part of a team that is the most productive Influenza Genomic laboratory in the world

Served on a detail for the CDC's Zika virus response.