Eugenia O'Kelly

Dr. Eugenia O’Kelly is a researcher and engineer dedicated to improving patient safety through the better design, evaluation, and oversight of healthcare technology. Her work focuses on identifying risks in high-stakes systems and developing practical, evidence-based approaches to prevent avoidable harm. She holds a doctorate in engineering from the University of Cambridge and a bachelor’s degree from Stanford University.

Dr. O’Kelly’s research has informed public health recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. Her work has also been featured by The Guardian, The New York Times, CNN, and The Wall Street Journal.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. O’Kelly led an international task force focused on respiratory protection and infection control. The group developed evidence-based guidance to help healthcare workers and the public make safer decisions during a rapidly evolving global health emergency.

In addition to her research, Dr. O’Kelly advises organizations developing medical technologies and has consulted with the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Special Operations Command on military medical technology. Across her work, she advocates for healthcare systems and technologies designed around the realities, needs, and safety of patients.