Month: September 2019

Early Career Professionals, CSTE

Category : Alumni

CSTE is currently accepting applications for interested mentors and mentees for this program. The purpose of the program is to provide an opportunity to build relationships and foster shared learning among applied epidemiologists. The goal is to promote the exploration of career opportunities in state, local, territorial, and tribal agencies. A previous participant described their experience:

“The mentorship program was really valuable. I developed a great connection with my mentor and really felt that this was time well spent. I was able to think about my next career steps and reflect on my values and goals.”

CSTE membership is encouraged but not required to participate. The estimated time requirement for mentors and mentees is up to two hours per month.

Consider serving as a mentor: No previous mentorship experience is required, and it is an ideal opportunity for mid-level epidemiologists. Mentors are required to have at least five years of work experience. Click here to REGISTER for the Prospective Mentor Webinar on Wednesday, September 11, at 1:00 pm EDT. During this webinar, we will answer your questions and learn more about the Mentor’s role in our program.

Early career professionals can participate as mentees: Eligible mentees should be entry-level epidemiologists who have graduated within the last five years or current students.

Previous participants: Those who have previously participated in the program are eligible to apply again. If accepted, you will be matched with a new mentee or mentor; however, please note that there have been only minor changes to the program curriculum. 

Start your application today to participate in the 2019-2020 Mentorship Program. All applications are due by September 25, 2019. Please note that all applicants may not be accepted; space is limited based on the number of mentors that apply.

For specific questions about the Mentorship Program, please email Alyaa Altabbaa at aaltabbaa [at] cste [dot] org.

First Impressions

Category : PROspective

from Dr. Timothy Lash: 

Everyone feels more or less comfortable talking one-to-one or in small groups, sometimes depending on how well you already know the group. Early in my career, I tended to keep to myself, or to talk with only one or two people already familiar to me. Even today, that’s my comfort zone.

Also early in my career, I had a chance to see two ends of the spectrum. The woman who owned the small company where I worked was always at ease; she could talk with anyone and win them over. A senior colleague in the same company had a much harder time; he came across as aloof and distant. Once I got to know him, I learned that he was warm and funny and knew a lot about a lot, even outside of our work area. All the same, I could see that in most professional settings, where people did not know one another well, she was having much more influence than him.

I realized that I would never be like her, but that I could take advantage of my strengths to be more like her. I prepared. I practiced having conversation starter questions (not weather, sports, or “how are you”), I learned what I could about the people I would meet in advance, and I made an effort to get better.

This article has some of the same themes. The founder of Ritz Carlton says that people make a decision about you in the first nine seconds after they meet you. They may eventually change their mind, but it’s hard to overcome a poor first impression.

You can influence that first impression by being prepared. Smile, say hello, and ask one or two slightly different questions, which you have prepared in advance so they will come easily to you. Most importantly, practice. Put yourself in situations that stretch your comfort zone now, early in your career or as a student, and hone a skill that will be useful throughout your career.

RSGA Epi Reps: Michelle McKinlay & Nathan Quan

Category : #WeAreEmoryEPI

For this week’s #IamEmoryEPI, we caught up with your Rollins Student Government (RSGA) department representatives: Michelle McKinlay and Nathan Quan! 

Tell us about your research interests:

Michelle: My primary research interest is in social epidemiology, specifically focusing on the social determinants of health in vulnerable populations.

Nathan: I am interested in social epidemiology and the social determinants of health, specifically racial and ethnic discrimination and segregation.

What were you up to this summer?

Michelle: I spent my summer in Southern California working for Project Horseshoe Farm, a community health nonprofit organization, establishing the nonprofit’s pilot expansion site in Pomona, CA. My projects consisted of building community partnerships, developing the structure for a gap-year fellowship, and creating a protocol for future data collection, all in preparation for me to serve as the Site Director after graduation.

Nathan: As a Region IV Public Health Training Center Pathways to Practice Scholar based at the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, I partnered with the Louisville Health Advisory Board (LHAB) to expand community-wide efforts to target efforts for suicide prevention using local suicide data. I presented my findings to LHAB, expressed a clear vision for the future research in Louisville regarding suicide prevention at a population health level, and laid groundwork to develop a suicide fatality review by the end of 2019 to elucidate intervention strategies unique to Louisville.

Tell us about your role as Epi Reps?

We really enjoyed the opportunity to get to know students and staff in the department better. Perhaps more importantly, we took pride in acting as the liaison for the Epi student body to the administration. This led to various improvements in the department and to Rollins as a whole!

What are your priorities as Epi Reps this year?

One priority this year is to increase student and staff engagement at our Epi events. Another is to help bridge the gap between the EPI and GH departments for our GLEPI students. We really want to help implement new ideas that our fellow students have – please reach out to us if you have any!

When are elections for the new Epi Reps?

RSGA elections for departmental representatives will be held in early November (keep an eye out for more information in October!). Students who want to be more involved not only in the department but at Rollins as a whole, who care about bringing students and staff together, who enjoy planning and putting on events, and students with creative new ideas should run for Epi Rep! As elections approach, we will be holding informal “Coffee Chats” with students who are interested in learning more about the role!

ORISE Opportunity with CDC’s Division of Emergency Operations

Category : Alumni

FELLOWSHIP DESCRIPTION:

An ORISE Fellowship position exists with the Plans Team within the Plans, Training, Exercise, and Evaluation Branch within the Division of Emergency Operations at CDC’s Center for Preparedness Response. The Plans Team is responsible for applying the National Response Framework in the development of all-hazard preparedness and response plans for the agency. As part of the plans development process, the Plans Team develops, writes, coordinates and publishes CDC plans for all public health responses. The Plans Team is looking for an ORISE Fellow who has an interest in training and education in public health emergency response.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the Fellow will support the following activities of the Plans and IMTDP Teams:

Plans Team:

Assist with development of Plans internal processes and SOP development
Assist with development of communication material (e.g., Connects article, marketing, success stories)
Organize and analyzes training data of the National Planners Course and presents results to a variety of key stakeholders

Incident Manager Training & Development Program (IMTDP):

Assist with training and education material development to align future National Planners Course as part of the Responder Education and Leadership Academy
Assist IMTDP education processes and CDC quality training standards
Provides consultation on training evaluation and analysis

Interested candidates should forward resumes to Silvia Trigoso at kje0 [at] cdc [dot] gov by September 13, 2019.

GIS and Data Analysis Specialist

Category : Alumni

ORGANIZATION
PSE Healthy Energy is a non-profit energy science and policy research institute dedicated to supplying evidence based, scientific information and resources on the environmental, public health, and climate dimensions of energy production and use. Our work focuses on oil and gas development (e.g., “fracking” and enhanced oil recovery), power plants, renewable energy, energy storage, and water and air quality. Our positive, dedicated, and high-functioning team is based out of Oakland, CA.

PSE’s mission is to bring scientific transparency and clarity to energy policy discussions and decisionmaking, helping to level the playing field for citizens, NGOs, the media, policymakers, agency staff and elected officials by generating, translating, and disseminating scientific information. No other interdisciplinary collaboration of physicians, scientists, and engineers exists to focus specifically on issues of health and sustainability at the intersection of energy science and policy.

POSITION
The GIS and Data Analysis Specialist will work with researchers and scientists across all practice areas at PSE. Typical projects may range from demographic analyses of populations living near fossil fuel infrastructure to managing large environmental and health datasets. The role will require being flexible, working with multiple team members, and responding quickly to changing research needs. Specific initial projects will likely include integrating and cleaning large datasets of air pollutant measurements and effluent and groundwater quality data. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in performing spatial analysis using GIS, operating database management systems, and conducting statistical analyses. The candidate should be self-motivated, willing to adapt to working on multiple projects, ready to bring new ideas to the table, and excited to work in an environment at the science-policy interface where there is always more to learn and there is always a new frame to put on a problem.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Spatial analysis: perform demographic proximity analyses; map environmental, health and energy infrastructure data; create spatial data visualizations for internal and public use; support numerous PSE research initiatives and studies.
Database management and analysis: help clean and manage large health, environment and energy datasets; perform statistical analyses to support research questions; integrate temporal and spatial analyses.


REQUIREMENTS
In addition to an ability to meet the above responsibilities, the position will require:

A Master’s degree or an undergraduate degree with demonstrated experience in Geographical Information Systems, computer science, engineering, energy science, atmospheric science, environmental science, public health, or related field. PhD’s are also welcome to apply.
Experience working with and managing large datasets and statistical analyses
Demonstrated research experience with GIS
Experience with Python, R, Stata, SPSS, Tableau, air quality modeling and/or other analytical and data visualization tools strongly desired
Scientific writing skills
A proven record of being able to work both collaboratively and independently
Scientific and moral integrity
A sense of humor


LOCATION
Onsite in Oakland, CA preferred; Telecommute considered for right candidate.

SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary is commensurate with experience. We provide a competitive benefits package including health insurance, retirement benefits, paid vacation and sick leave.

TO APPLY
Please send a cover letter and a CV to jobs [at] psehealthyenergy [dot] org by October 1, 2019.

Please put “GIS and Data Specialist” in the subject line.

For more information, click HERE.

Graduate Student Position: Coastal Preservation Graduate Student Researcher; Surfrider Foundation

Category : Student Opportunities

The Surfrider Foundation seeks to hire a graduate student to compile a substantive report about the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The LWCF is one of our country’s most important conservation program which has maintained broad bipartisan support over its 50-year history of successful, locally-driven conservation. While the LWCF was reauthorized in March 2019, it now needs permanent funding. This report will help educate the public and elected officials about the importance of permanently funding the LWCF.

The job is a contract position that will work under the direction of the Surfrider’s Environmental Director and Coastal Preservation Manager.

Position Responsibilities:

Provide research and writing support for Surfrider’s national report on the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Analyze LWCF benefits state by state detailing how the program has established and protected many coastal playgrounds, including parks, surf breaks, and other coastal resources. Synthesize how LWCF program currently improves coastal resiliency. Illustrate the importance of fully funding the LWCF because, as the climate continues to change, more investments will be needed to help protect our coastal communities and resources.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to: Stefanie Sekich-Quinn at ssekich [at] surfrider [dot] org. Please include “LWCF Position” in the email subject line. The application deadline is September 15th2019.

Organization: Surfrider Foundation

Duration: Flexible, with report finished by Dec 5th2019.

Contract Pay: $6,000

Location: Work remotely.

Application Deadline: Sunday, September 15, 2019

Internship: Science Intern, Plastics; OCEANA

Oceana is an international organization that focuses solely on oceans and is dedicated to achieving measurable change by conducting scientific, fact-based campaigns with fixed deadlines and articulated goals. The Plastics Campaign Science Intern will assist efforts to meet the goals of the campaign. The Intern will chiefly focus on researching science issues around plastic and its effects on marine organisms and humans, cataloguing this research and drafting materials to support the execution of the campaign.

The Intern will work with Oceana staff to help build the scientific basis of the campaign. This work may involve interaction with academic, governmental and non-governmental scientists, researchers, organizers, conservation partners and stakeholders. Other duties include assisting with logistics and supporting other Oceana staff as needed. The Intern will report to the Senior Scientist for the Plastics Campaign and work closely with other staff on the campaign. The Intern will have opportunities to interact with other Oceana staff and learn conservation principles.

To Apply: Candidates should submit a resume and cover letter in order to be considered. Please be aware that your cover letter is viewed as a writing sample and highlight why your experience is a good fit for this position. Please also include the dates you are available.

Organization: OCEANA

Job Location: Washington, DC

Application Deadline: Thursday, October 31, 2019

To apply, click HERE.

Data Analyst (Epidemiology)

Category : Alumni

Description
Under leadership of the Chief Epidemiologist, the Data Analyst – Epidemiology is responsible for supporting the collection, management, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of public health data. The Data Analyst – Epidemiology will be part of a team that is responsible for surveillance, program and policy evaluation, data collection and reporting, analysis, and assisting with identification and adoption of evidence-based policies and practices.

Examples of Duties
Collect, analyze, manage, and interpret quantitative and qualitative data.
Receive, interpret, and respond to requests for data from Health Department staff and external stakeholders.
Maintain existing datasets and corresponding documentation.
Assist in developing recommendations for data-driven, evidence-based interventions, policies, and control measures in response to epidemiologic findings.
Assist in evaluation of public health programs.
Prepare written and oral reports and presentations that communicate necessary information to agency staff, the public, and partners.
Identify surveillance needs; assist with design, implementation, maintenance, and evaluation of public health surveillance systems.
Provide epidemiologic input into epidemiologic studies, public health programs, and community public health planning processes.
Participate in development of community partnerships to support epidemiologic investigations.
Conduct epidemiologic activities within the financial and operational plan of the agency.
Apply ethical principles, laws, and policies in accessing, collecting, analyzing, using, maintaining, and disseminating data and information including Department policies, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and applicable state and local privacy laws.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Epidemiology, Statistics, Computer Programming, Public Health, or related field of study; Master’s Degree preferred.

Candidates with a degree in a related field must demonstrate completion of at least 20 credit hours of coursework in epidemiology, statistics, or computer programming.

Two (2) to five (5) years of experience working in the field of data analysis.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be substituted to meet the education and experience requirement of this position.

Supplemental Information
LICENSE, CERTIFICATION AND OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must be presently authorized to work in the United States on a full time employee.

Valid State of Michigan Driver License required.

Completion of Emergency Preparedness training to include, but not limited to FEMA ISC 100, 200, 700 and 800 and others as required by department staff.

May be required to assist in emergency response.

Candidates considered for placement in this classification will be subject to a FBI Criminal Background Investigation which includes a fingerprint clearance based on the requirements of the position.

PLEASE ATTACH A RESUME TO THE APPLICATION
(INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED)
?
EVALUATION PROCESS:
Oral Interview: 70%
Evaluation of Training Experience & Personal Qualifications 30%
Total of Oral Interview & Evaluation of TEP= 100% (Maximum)
Domicile Credit: 15 points
Military Service Credit 1 – 15 points

To apply, click HERE.

If you have questions, please contact Lauren Fink at finkl [at] detroitmi [dot] gov

Internship: Epidemiologist, Khayelitsha project MSF South Africa

Category : GLEPI Student Opportunities

BACKGROUND

The MSF Khayelitsha project provides support to HIV, TB, and DR TB programmes being run by local government in the sub-district. Part of this support involves piloting innovative strategies to promote virologic suppression, long term retention in care, and support for high risk groups of HIV positive patients. The HIV data team is responsible for data collection, monitoring, evaluation, and supporting operational research around MSF Khayelitsha project’s HIV-related pilots. The aim is to disseminate key findings and advocacy messages through conferences, publications, and interactions with the local and national Department of Health.

The epidemiologist intern will report to Dr. Ingrid Katz (Harvard Medical School, Harvard Global Health Institute), Dr. Bethany Hedt-Gauthier (Harvard Medical School), and the HIV epidemiologist of MSF Khayelitsha. The epidemiologist intern will be part of a team that includes two medical data processing officers, a data supervisor, and the HIV epidemiologist. They will work be required to work closely with all data team members, and cooperate with all other staff in the Khayelitsha office. This unpaid internship would provide academic opportunities, including mentorship for Masters and Doctoral-level students and potential publication opportunities.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The HIV epidemiologist will work with the intern epidemiologist to devise a work plan that balances the development of the intern epidemiologist and their contribution to the project. This could involve delegation of entire pilots to the intern epidemiologist or a focus on specific types of tasks.

Monitoring and evaluation (M&E)

The epidemiologist intern will assist the HIV epidemiologist with the organization, data management, and quarterly reporting of the M&E of MSF pilot projects, specifically: Outreach Initiation Model, 6-months ARV supply study, PrEP, Postnatal Clubs and a ‘Welcome back services’. This may include development and maintenance of M&E tools for new and ongoing projects, and ad hoc data requests to inform ongoing or planned pilots. Where appropriate, they will also support the capacity building of the data team staff.

Operational research

The intern epidemiologist will be involved in all stages of operational research. This includes:

· Maintenance of an MSF Khayelitsha HIV operational research agenda

· Development of study protocols and analysis plans

· Ethics submissions (new, routine reporting, amendments) to both University of Cape Town Human Research Ethics Committee, and MSF’s Ethics Review Board

· Interim data analyses

· Preparation of conference submissions and potentially manuscripts for journals.

· The intern epidemiologist may have opportunities to get involved in other analyses as capacity allows.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Required qualifications and skills

· Masters in Public Health or MSc Epidemiology, or other related masters in a scientific discipline

· Experience in data cleaning, management and analysis

· Previous training and experience using Stata software.

· Previous experience of data collection software, e.g. REDCap (preferred) or mobile data collection

The ideal candidate would be flexible and willing to adapt to team needs. They should have an interest in improving the health outcomes of people living with HIV, and be committed to balancing research integrity and pragmatic implementation needs.

FRONTLINE Documentary: Flint’s Deadly Water

Category : News/Events

Frontline contacted Drs. Zach Binney, Kristin Nelson, and Allison Chamberlain to help them with an investigation into a Legionnaires’ outbreak during the Flint water crisis. They asked them to use local pneumonia deaths during the outbreak to assess whether it’s possible cases had been systematically underreported. Drs. Binney and Nelson are interviewed in the piece, which airs this Tuesday, September 10th at 10/9c on PBS & online.

Learn more here

Watch the trailer and the full episode on Tuesday here

Recent Publications Page

Category : News/Events

Check out the updated lists of publications from the Epidemiology Department on the Recent Publications page!

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Upcoming Events

  • GCDTR Seminar Series Presents: "Utilizing Genomics to Study the Role of Ancestry in Racial Disparities" May 6, 2024 at 12:00 am – 1:00 am Guest Lecture Event Type: Guest LectureSeries: HybridSpeaker: Melissa B. Davis, PhDContact Name: Wendy GillContact Email: wggill@emory.eduRoom Location: RRR_R809Link: https://tinyurl.com/Melissa-Davis"Utilizing Genomics to Study the Role of Ancestry in Racial Disparities"
  • 2024 Charles C. Shepard Award Symposium May 8, 2024 at 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm zoom.us… Online Location: https://zoom.us/j/96537866614The Charles C. Shepard Award is given to thegraduating masters student who is deemed bythe faculty to have prepared the most scholarlyresearch paper. Please join us to recognize andcelebrate this year’s finalists who will present aposter of their work.
  • RSPH Staff Council Presents: Cheers and Beers - Schoolhouse Edition May 16, 2024 at 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm Networking and Special Event Event Type: Networking,Special EventContact Name: Staff CouncilContact Email: rsphstaffcouncil@emory.eduRSPH staff and post-docs are invited to an evening of camaraderie and delicious bites, presented by the RSPH Staff Council. Space is limited. Watch your email for a link to RSVP.

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  • GCDTR Seminar Series Presents: "Utilizing Genomics to Study the Role of Ancestry in Racial Disparities" May 6, 2024 at 12:00 am – 1:00 am Guest Lecture Event Type: Guest LectureSeries: HybridSpeaker: Melissa B. Davis, PhDContact Name: Wendy GillContact Email: wggill@emory.eduRoom Location: RRR_R809Link: https://tinyurl.com/Melissa-Davis"Utilizing Genomics to Study the Role of Ancestry in Racial Disparities"
  • 2024 Charles C. Shepard Award Symposium May 8, 2024 at 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm zoom.us… Online Location: https://zoom.us/j/96537866614The Charles C. Shepard Award is given to thegraduating masters student who is deemed bythe faculty to have prepared the most scholarlyresearch paper. Please join us to recognize andcelebrate this year’s finalists who will present aposter of their work.
  • RSPH Staff Council Presents: Cheers and Beers - Schoolhouse Edition May 16, 2024 at 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm Networking and Special Event Event Type: Networking,Special EventContact Name: Staff CouncilContact Email: rsphstaffcouncil@emory.eduRSPH staff and post-docs are invited to an evening of camaraderie and delicious bites, presented by the RSPH Staff Council. Space is limited. Watch your email for a link to RSVP.
  • The Summer Institute in Statistics and Modeling in Infectious Diseases (SISMID) July 15, 2024 – July 31, 2024 Conference / Symposium Event Type: Conference / SymposiumSeries: The Summer Institute in Statistics and Modeling in Infectious Diseases (SISMID)Speaker: Leaders in the FieldContact Name: Pia ValerianoContact Email: pvaleri@emory.eduLink: https://sph.emory.edu/SISMID/index.htmlThe Summer Institute in Statistics and Modeling in Infectious Diseases (SISMID) is designed to introduce infectious disease researchers to modern methods of statistical analysis and mathematical modeling.
  • The Second Annual RSPH Staff and Post-Doctoral Ice Cream Social August 14, 2024 at 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Networking and Special Event Event Type: Networking,Special EventContact Name: Staff CouncilContact Email: rsphstaffcouncil@emory.eduRoom Location: RRR_Terrace 2nd FloorRSPH staff and post-docs are invited to join us for ice cream and delightful conversation. This event is hosted by the RSPH Staff Council.
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Epidemiology Department Rollins School of Public Health