Cori Ofstead is an epidemiologist with 30 years of experience designing and conducting studies about the impact of clinical processes on patient outcomes. She has served as the Principal Investigator on numerous studies related to infection prevention, instrument processing, and vaccination against infectious diseases. Ms. Ofstead is nationally recognized for her groundbreaking research, and her studies have been published in peer-reviewed journals including CHEST, AJIC, ICHE, Urology, Journal of Hospital Infection, Endoscopy International Open, Journal of Wound Care, Gastroenterology Nursing, and Vaccine. She currently serves as a reviewer for AJIC, Endoscopy, and the Journal of Urology, and is an active member of the editorial board for AJIC. She has presented the findings of her studies at national and international conferences sponsored by the CDC, APIC, HSPA, AORN, SGNA, AGA, ASGE, and several universities. In addition, she currently serves as a preceptor for epidemiology students in the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota.

Krystina Hopkins is a research manager with Ofstead & Associates, Inc. where she leads projects related to device processing effectiveness and environmental health, including chronic conditions, vaccination, radiation hygiene, and healthcare costs. She has an MPH in environmental health, specializing in infectious disease. Her research has been published in AJIC, ICHE, Endoscopy International Open, Journal of Wound Care, Urology, AORN Journal, BI&T (AAMI’s journal), and HSPA’s PROCESS magazine, and she is a reviewer for AORN Journal and AAMI’s BI&T. She has presented the findings of her studies at national and international conferences sponsored by the CDC, APIC, and HSPA. Ms. Hopkins has over fourteen years of hands-on health and healthcare-related research experience in diverse in-patient and outpatient settings.  Prior to joining Ofstead in 2017, she supported clinical trials in environmental health, health economics, and community-based research as a research project manager at Medica Research Institute. Ms. Hopkins was also involved with projects related to molecular and microbiology, epidemiology, infectious disease, and occupational health in various roles at the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Health.

Abby Smart joined the Ofstead team as a research associate in 2019, where she conducts surveillance of peer‐reviewed evidence, industry information, and government reports and databases, and supports primary research and continuing education efforts. Her recent work has focused on flexible endoscope and ultrasound probe processing. She has served as coauthor on manuscripts related to endoscope processing that have been published in peer reviewed journals, including AJIC, Urology, and the Journal of Medical Virology. She has Bachelor of Arts degrees in Biology and Psychology and a Master of Public Health degree in Epidemiology. Ms. Smart has experience in a variety of research settings, including as a research assistant for a developmental psychology research group and as a technician in virology and chemistry labs where she conducted analysis for public health and environmental research. She has presented at the Midwest Psychological Association, the University of Minnesota Cognitive Psychology Seminar, and APIC Baltimore. Prior to working at Ofstead, Ms. Smart worked with adults with developmental disabilities.