About Me

I'm Sam Pannoni — a biodefense microbiologist and bioinformatician with the US Army CBRNE Command. I hold a PhD in Fish & Wildlife Biology with a focus on molecular genetics and microbiome research from the University of Montana.

My day-to-day involves leading BSL-3/4 biological warfare agent investigations using next-generation sequencing, PCR, ELISA, and immunoassays. I develop SQL/Python/Nextflow pipelines for rapid biothreat detection and author intelligence reports that shape biodefense programs for DoW and OGA decision-makers.

I currently serve as an SME on an IARPA Government Advisory Panel and collaborate with DTRA on programs advancing CBRNE threat detection automation, untargeted DNA sequencing, and next-generation protein sequencing.

I've deployed globally operating ISO 17025-certified mobile CBRNE laboratories and served as a NATO CBRNE live-agent SME characterizing clandestine biological materials of concern. I have a proven track record in exercise planning, target building, observer-coach-trainer (OCT) roles, and supporting DoD and OGA missions.

My research background spans landscape genomics, predator-prey ecological signatures, and metagenomic monitoring — with 15+ years of remote fieldwork experience from the Rocky Mountains to the high Arctic of eastern Greenland. I also manage Linux/Unix compute clusters and maintain end-to-end NGS workflows including metabarcoding, metagenomics, and RADseq library preparation.