SPECTRE Biocontainment Care Unit
Discover the heart of our preparedness efforts—the Biocontainment Care Unit (BCU). Our BCU is dedicated to providing the highest standard of care for patients with high-consequence infectious diseases. Explore our state-of-the-art facilities, meet the expert team behind our operations, and learn about our specialized training programs designed to ensure excellence in biocontainment care.
Learn More About the BCU
Learn More About the BCU
Edwin Smith, RN
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Edwin Smith, MSN, RN, CEN
Nursing Program Manager, Biocontainment Care Unit
Email: edhsmith@utmb.edu
BCU Leadership
The BCU is driven by a team of exceptional leaders who bring expertise, innovation, and dedication to every aspect of our mission. Our leadership spans key areas of Administration, Nursing, Physicians, and Subject Matter Experts, each playing a vital role in ensuring the success of our operations. Together, they guide our efforts to provide top-tier care and safety in handling special pathogens. Discover the individuals leading the way in biocontainment excellence.
Meet the Biocontainment Unit Team:
BCU Administrative Leadership
Chad Connally, MSN, RN, CEN
Chad Connally, MSN, RN, CEN
Director, Patient Care Services, Galveston Emergency Department, Biocontainment Care Unit
Email: chconnal@utmb.edu
Corri Levine, PhD, MS, MPH
Corri Levine, PhD, MS, MPH
Associate Director, SPECTRE
Email: cblevine@utmb.edu
Susan McLellan, MD, MPH
Director, SPECTRE
Medical Director, Biocontainment Care Unit
Medical Director, Biocontainment Care Unit
Email: sumclell@utmb.edu
BCU Nursing Leadership
Jennifer Lirette, MSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM, NC-BC
Jennifer Lirette , MSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM, NC-BC
Clinical Educator, Biocontainment Care Unit
Email: jmlirett@utmb.eduu
Edwin Smith, RN
Edwin Smith, MSN, RN, CEN
Nursing Program Manager, Biocontainment Care Unit
Email: edhsmith@utmb.edu
Julie Stefanick, MEd, BSN, RN, CEN, TCRN, CPEN
Julie Stefanick , MEd, BSN, RN, CEN, TCRN, CPEN
Nursing Program Coordinator, Biocontainment Care Unit
Email: jsstefan@utmb.edu
BCU Physician Leadership
Lemuel Aigbivbalu, MD
Lemuel Aigbivbalu, MD
Pediatrics Lead Physician
Email: leaigbiv@utmb.edu
Lucas Blanton, MD
Associate Medical Director, Biocontainment Care Unit
Email: lsblanto@UTMB.EDU
Carlos Dostal, MD, PhD
General Medicine, Biocontainment Care Unit
Email: crdostal@utmb.edu
April McDougal, DO
Associate Director, Division of Infection Control and Healthcare Epidemiology
Email: apmcdoug@utmb.edu
Matthew Talbott, DO
Matthew Talbott, DO
Medical Director for Medical Transport, Biocontainment Care Unit
Email: mmtalbot@utmb.edu
BCU Subject Matter Experts
Je T’Aime Newton, MS, RBP
Je T’Aime Newton, MS, RBP
Principal EHS Specialist, Pre-hospital and Facilities liaison to the Biocontainment Care Unit
Email: jmnewton@utmb.edu
Corrie Ntiforo, MSPH, RBP
Corrie Ntiforo, MSPH, RBP
Director, Biosafety
Email: contifor@utmb.edu
Nicolette Ward, RBP, CSP
Nicolette Ward, RBP, CSP
Lead Biosafety Professional
Email: nrward@utmb.edu