Biree Andemariam, M.D. received her undergraduate degree in molecular biology and African studies from Princeton University and her medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine, graduating with research honors. She completed her medical training at New York Presbyterian Hospital–Cornell University. She is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Connecticut in the Division of Hematology/Oncology, Founding Director of the New England Sickle Cell Institute (NESCI), and Director of the Connecticut Bleeding Disorders Center. Dr. Andemariam joined UConn in 2007 as a physician-investigator and established the region’s only adult sickle cell disease (SCD) program. NESCI’s mission is to provide a medical home for adults with SCD as well as a transition destination for children with SCD. In addition to treating over 300 adults with SCD, the center is also home to numerous clinical and translational research studies. Dr. Andemariam is the immediate-past Chief Medical Officer of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc and serves now as the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors. She chaired an international committee of experts in the development of guidelines on managing patients with SCD during the COVID pandemic.