Laboratory Director

Lab DirectorDr. Edward Desmond joined the State Laboratories Division as Administrator in May 2019.  He came most recently from the California Department of Public Health, where he served as acting chief of the Microbial Disease Laboratory during 2018 and section chief of mycobacteriology and mycology since 1990. Altogether, Dr. Desmond has over 40 years of experience managing laboratories providing analytical and diagnostic services as well as supporting applied research.  Dr. Desmond has extensive experience in managing laboratories and a record of promoting public health throughout his career.  He holds a Ph.D. in microbiology with a minor in chemistry from Texas Tech University and is certified by the American Board of Medical Microbiology. The National Tuberculosis Controllers Association award for exemplary service, dedication, or leadership for a tuberculosis laboratory professional is named the Ed Desmond Award. He has 69 peer reviewed publications and has co-authored 14 book chapters on various microbiology topics (mostly TB).