(CNN) The acting Department of Homeland Security official who detailed the effects of temperature on coronavirus at Thursday's White House task force briefing has extensive military experience but is not a scientist nor does he have a medical background.

As the Department of Homeland Security senior official performing the duties of the under secretary for Science and Technology, Bill Bryan holds an influential perch with far-reaching authority over research, development and testing at the agency as well as for first responders across the country.

He serves in an acting position, having not been confirmed by the Senate to the post.

Before joining the agency in 2017, Bryan held a number of leadership roles at the Department of Energy and Department of Defense, and served 17 years of active military service in the Army and three years in the Virginia National Guard, according to his Department of Homeland Security biography.

Bryan's department biography does not refer to him as a doctor, nor did President Donald Trump introduce him as one on Thursday.

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