Laura Cathcart, PhD
Training and Exercise Program Manager
Office of Emergency Management
Email: lcathcart@umaryland.edu
PhD: University of Maryland – Science Education
MA: University of Maryland – Science Education
BS: University Maryland – Cell and Molecular Biology and Genetics
Dr. Cathcart designs emergency simulations to help students, faculty, and staff prepare for emergencies at UMB. To improve the culture of emergency preparedness at UMB, Laura created the Preparedness Pro digital credential. Along with teammates, Laura serves as UMB’s emergency manager in a rotational capacity. During COVID-19, she co-led UMB’s response and recovery efforts and an on-campus public vaccine clinic that administered close to 40,000 vaccines. Dr. Cathcart has achieved recognition as a Certified Emergency Manager, Certified Business Continuity Professional and Certified Public Manager.
Laura previously worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in Atlanta, GA teaching public health officials how to prepare for and respond to a pandemic. In past roles for the University of Maryland, she managed biosafety level 2 teaching laboratories and taught microbiology, anatomy and physiology, and emergency medical services classes. Laura volunteered as a firefighter and emergency medical technician in Prince George's County, Maryland for 15 years. Laura serves as UMB’s board member for Downtown Baltimore Child Care. She loves commuting to UMB on her electric bicycle and enjoys watching native plants grow in her garden.