Dr. Nirav D. Shah, a distinguished epidemiologist recognized for his leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic, is set to join Colby College as a visiting professor in the Department of Statistics this fall. Shah, who formerly served as the director of the Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention, will teach courses in public health while assisting in the development of Colby’s expanding public health program.
Before stepping into academia, Shah held a leadership position at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. During his tenure at the Maine CDC, he became a trusted public figure, leading pandemic responses through televised updates that earned praise for their clarity, honesty, and compassion. Colby President David A. Greene described Shah as a natural educator with an exceptional ability to communicate complex public health issues effectively. He emphasized Shah’s expertise in epidemics and outbreaks, calling his addition to the faculty a significant gain for Colby’s public health program.
At Colby, Shah will instruct a diverse range of courses, including an introductory public health class, an advanced epidemics and outbreaks course, and a specialized “Jan Plan” on crisis communications. His background in both medicine and law will also allow him to offer a course on the American legal system. Expressing excitement about his new role, Shah said he was eager to help train the next generation of public health professionals.
Shah’s connection with Colby isn’t new—he received an honorary doctorate from the college in 2022 and previously advised the institution on pandemic response strategies. His commitment to public health education aligns with Colby’s broader initiative to enhance its applied sciences curriculum. Provost Margaret McFadden highlighted how Shah’s expertise would enrich the college’s offerings, fostering hands-on learning experiences for students.
Beyond teaching, Shah will collaborate with faculty to formalize the public health curriculum, integrating research with real-world applications. His work will help address key health challenges in Maine, such as rural healthcare access, environmental contamination, and chronic disease management. With his extensive network in public health, Shah will also facilitate internships and partnerships to provide students with valuable industry exposure.
Before joining Colby, Shah served in leadership roles at the Illinois Department of Health and the Ministry of Health in Cambodia. He holds degrees in biology, economics, medicine, and law, reflecting his multifaceted expertise. Welcoming him to the faculty, Greene emphasized Shah’s passion for strengthening communities and advancing public health education.
