Month: November 2019

Recent Publications

Category : News/Events

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


Psychology 770, Neurobiology and Applications of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms

Spring 2018
Class meetings Fridays, 9:00-11:30 AM, PAIS 494 Hillary Rodman, Ph.D.

Content: Have you ever wondered whether it matters exactly when you test your subjects, or whether their patterns of sleep (and sleep deprivation!) might matter for how they perform in your tasks or respond to your treatments? Alternatively, have you wondered whether (and how) sleep and sleep timing might have implications for specific physiological processes related to wellness, cognition, and development? This is a seminar course which will approach the biological basis of sleep and sleep timing in a multidisciplinary fashion suitable for graduate students in psychology and related disciplines. Data from the primary literature will be considered in light of their potential for application to research, learning, and clinical domains. Material addressed will include ‘typical’ patterns and perturbations of sleep and circadian function, neural and hormonal mechanisms, animal models and evolutionary considerations, cross-cultural findings, connections with mental health and wellness, and sleep as it pertains to issues of awareness and brain mechanisms thereof. Emphases and readings within each of these topics will be determined in reference to the specific interests of students in the course.

Format will be primarily discussion and student presentation of research literature. Some lecture material for background will be provided by the instructor as needed. Students will also have opportunities to keep and reflect on a sleep log, assess their own chronotype, and explore practical approaches to measuring sleep with wearable or portable technology.

Prerequisites: The course does not have formal prerequisites. It does assume that students have:

  • background in psychology and neuroscience at least at the level of an advanced

    undergraduate majoring in one of those areas

  • a willingness to dive into some complex literature and see what can be gleaned from it (note,

    the course does not have assessments that stress memorization)

  • a basic belief that biological mechanisms (including neural, evolutionary, genetic, etc.) can tell

    us something crucial about human behavior and the human condition

  • enthusiasm for sharing ideas and learning from the perspectives of others

Assignments. Course grades will be based on the following four areas, each contributing equally:

  1. Participation in class discussion of readings, ideas, themes, and connections between the

    topics of this course, course members’ research, and other areas of scholarly inquiry.

  2. Several short class presentations (~15 mins) of empirical articles and leading related discussion.

  3. In alternate weeks, short written response papers (1-2 pages single spaced, hardcopy due in class) on the assigned readings, or posting of discussion questions (for the remaining dates). The response papers can include evaluations, reactions, queries, comments on areas of confusion, suggestions for experiments, connections to other topics in which you have expertise, etc.

  4. Several small projects:

    • Sleep log (2+ wks)

    • 1 pg summary of a personal ‘experiment’ with sleep variation or consumer sleep

      technology

    • Individualized short bibliography and/or timeline of key studies in the sleep and circadian

      fields that are important specifically to the student’s own research interests


Convos on Tap: Tapsgiving, 11/21

Category : News/Events

Join the Rollins Student Government for Convos on tap on November 21 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm. Don’t forget your ID, corq app, or reusable cups!


Injury and Violence Prevention Certificate

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Certificate in Injury and Violence Prevention is designed to give MPH, PhD, and Candler students a foundation in theoretical and epidemiologic concepts of injury prevention and a platform for which to examine the causes, consequences and prevention strategies used in our society. Combining multidisciplinary coursework, research, practical experience, and access to a vast injury prevention network, this certificate will broaden students’ perspective on complex issues while preparing them to become leaders of injury prevention within their chosen discipline


Data Specialist

Category : Alumni

Position Summary: 
The Data Specialist is responsible for cleaning and maintaining population health datasets, deriving insights from a variety of data sources, and reporting findings to stakeholders to inform overdose prevention initiatives and related Detroit Health Department work. This is a grant-funded position with funding through September 2021.

Essential Functions:
• Identifies and compiles existing administrative, survey, and other data.

• Cleans and maintains datasets, including quality assurance and development of policies and procedures to ensure integrity of data.

• Write efficient code for processing data utilizing tools such as Python or R.

• Designs, develops, and automates production of data visualizations and written reports for internal and external use.

• Works in coordination with a team of epidemiologists and analysts to align analytic efforts across health department focus areas.

Skills Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field such as computer science, statistics, applied mathematics, operations research, engineering, economics, social sciences, physics or chemistry.

AND

• Three (3) years of relevant work experience.

OR

• Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience required sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

Job Qualifications: 
• Experience programming in R required, experience in one or more additional programming languages (e.g. SAS, Python, SQL) preferred.

• Skills in data visualization and Geographic Information Systems required.

• Demonstrated expertise in managing large and complex datasets.

• Highly proficient in using Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other applicable software programs.

Applicants must be presently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. E.O.E.

Application Deadline: ***Open Until Filled***

For more information and to apply, click HERE.


Intramural Emory Global Health Case Competition

Have what takes to solve a real-world global health problem in 7 days? Attend an info session to learn how to apply for this exciting, multidisciplinary learning experience! 1st place team receives $5,000. Applications are open from November 7 to December 2.


Self-Advocacy

Category : PROspective

Advocating for yourself is a skill we rarely talk about or teach and yet you need to do just that when you negotiate a job contract, ask for a promotion, or get the appropriate placement in authorship for a paper or poster. 

Self-advocacy is a dance between being appropriately confident and respectful. It requires a thoughtful amount of introspection about the gifts you bring to the situation and what you do not have to offer (perhaps yet)  as well as a very clear sense of why you want what you are advocating for in each situation. While self-advocacy makes many of us cringe, there are some standard preparations that can ease the conversations.

Advocating for a promotion or new position demands that we are able to clearly and cogently champion our accomplishments while not being braggadocios. This can be particularly difficult for women. While not promoting stereotypical gender traits, research has consistently found that women do not self-promote well and that when they do, they are not seen as favorably as men who do.

Actually, it turns out that most of us are often much better advocates for others. When I was in graduate school, I applied for a teaching scholarship and was competing against a good friend of mine. Our department chair asked us to write our own drafts for the letters of recommendation. Due to a family emergency, my friend was not able to write hers in time, so I offered to write it for her rather than have her not apply. After she was awarded the scholarship, my chair met with me and said her letter of support had sealed the deal. By giving him a substantially more explicit draft letter of why she was a great teacher, I had advocated for her in a way I did not advocate for myself. It was a tough lesson to learn and one that data supports. We are often better at “other-advocating” than self-advocating – in part because we often tend to over-value other people’s achievements. Supporting others is a fabulous, but we must also learn to negotiate and promote our own accomplishments and needs.

Much of the self-advocacy in job negotiations is about salary, and while that can feel awkward, research will help you find the range of salary opportunities and then you should advocate for where your list of accomplishments fit in that range (be sure to fight the gender gap!). I also urge my mentees to consider negotiating for conference attendance, authorship opportunities, and other non-salary forms of compensation. In my research group, we set up authorship guidelines in advance for every study and work within these guidelines. While academia has been legendary for younger colleagues doing the work and getting minimal or no credit, this is slowly becoming a thing of the past. Clear conversations in advance can ease hard conversations later.

There are a few keys that go a long way towards a successful conversation when you are advocating for a promotion, new position, authorship, raise, etc., as found in this article.

  1. The first is being very reflective about why you think you should be given this opportunity. What do you want to contribute and what have you already done that makes you a good choice?  
  2. Then, set up a meeting to speak directly with the person who can best assist you and be sure to make your reason for the meeting known. You are going to come to the meeting prepared and you want them to be as well.
  3. Clearly express your ask and provide examples of your work that supports this ask. 
  4. And then, here is the part most articles don’t dwell on, listen. Listen to the feedback you are being given.

Ultimately, the answer might be ‘no’ and more self-advocacy won’t change that. However, this is not necessarily an indication of failure. First, the reality of budgets, organizational structures, and professional conventions might not fall in your favor – and these might be simply out of your control. Secondly, the act of prioritizing your goals and asking for them directly (and appropriately!) will give you a lot of credibility with your superiors. The next time an opportunity presents itself, they’ll have your priorities in mind and they’ll understand that you’re motivated and ambitious. 

On the other hand, if you are told you have asked for the promotion too soon or do not have the qualifications for the open position, your next decision is a fork in the road. You can use this information as a platform to ask for mentorship and guidance, or you can assume they are making a mistake. Both will get you on their radar but the first is more likely to make them your champion. 

At the end of the day, the dance of self-advocacy is tricky, but when you have done good work, you should be willing to ask for the appropriate recognition.  


Cancer Research Training Internships in Global and US Minority Settings

A research training program funded by the NIH/NCI grant # (R25 CA112383) since 2006 to develop careers of public health students from all schools and program of public health in the U.S. in the field of cancer epidemiology and cancer prevention and control. The CEESP Program provides funding to students to conduct mentored cancer research in global and U.S. minority settings.

The Program provides funding for students to travel and conduct mentored summer research internships in foreign countries and U.S. minority settings. The Program is open to graduate public health students (MPH, MSc, PhD, and Dr.PH) from all schools and programs of public health in the U.S. Over the past 15 years, students have conducted research utilizing the strong infrastructure of the Program in East, West, and North Africa; the Middle East; Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the Far East.

For more information and to apply, click HERE.


Researcher/Senior Researcher, Healthcore

Category : Alumni

Your Talent. Our Vision. At HealthCore, Inc., an independently-operating subsidiary of Anthem, Inc. and a health services research firm, it’s a powerful combination. It’s the foundation upon which we’re creating greater access to care for our members, greater value for our customers and greater health for our communities. Join us and together we will drive the future of health care.


We are currently seeking a Researcher or Senior Researcher with expertise in epidemiology to join our Safety and Epidemiology Research team. The Researcher will collaborate with epidemiologists, biostatisticians, programmers, project managers, clinicians, and others, to provide epidemiology expertise in support of multiple pharmacoepidemiology research projects for a portfolio of clients in the life sciences industry.


Responsibilities:
Lead or support the design and execution of pharmacoepidemiology research, including post-authorization safety, risk mitigation, and active monitoring studies
Provide epidemiology subject matter expertise and lead or support research activities related to scientific study design, application of appropriate statistical methods, interpretation of results, reporting, and communication of results.
Lead and/or contribute to the development of protocols, statistical analysis plans, reports, and publications.
Lead or support the development of detailed specifications for study databases and analysis files, consistency checks, tables, and figures; communicates requirements to the programming group
Conduct review of administrative claims data and statistical output to ensure the superior quality of research activities and client deliverables.
Lead or support initiatives that leverage and enhance HealthCore’s research environment.
Publish research findings and present at professional scientific meetings.
Present the company’s epidemiology expertise to prospective clients and support business development activities, including proposal development.
Qualifications:

This position requires a masters or doctoral level degree or relevant education in health sciences and/or equivalent training in epidemiology, biostatistics, health services research, or a related field, plus experience (1 or more years of experience required depends\ing on position level).

Key competencies:
Superior knowledge of epidemiology study design and statistical methodology.
Experience leading research teams in the design and execution of pharmacoepidemiology studies.

Experience with healthcare claims data and knowledge of advanced statistical methods used in the evaluation of healthcare claims data.

Experience with consulting for the life sciences industry.
Proficiency in SAS statistical software is required.
Proficiency in R statistical software is highly desired.
Proficiency using the Boston Health Economics Instant Health Data (IHD) tool is highly desired.

Strong attention to detail, adaptable to changing priorities, innovative in conducting statistical analysis, and able to manage and prioritize multiple projects to ensure their quality and on-time delivery.

Excellent communication skills and work well in a team environment.

Working at HealthCore
In addition to a dynamic work environment, HealthCore offers a competitive salary and an outstanding benefits program including a 401(k) plan; health, dental, and vision insurance; discounted fitness club membership; life, AD&D, short and long-term disability insurance coverage; tuition assistance, and an employee stock purchase plan and free parking. As an independently operating subsidiary of Anthem, HealthCore offers the resources of the nation’s leading health benefits company in a small company environment.


HealthCore is headquartered in Wilmington, DE, midway between New York City and Washington, DC, with offices in Watertown, MA, Andover, MA and Alexandria, VA.

An Equal Opportunity Employer/Diversity/Veteran

For more information and to apply, click HERE.


ADAPs: Noni Bourne and Farah Dharamshi

Category : #WeAreEmoryEPI

For this week’s #IamEmoryEpi spotlight, we had the special opportunity to get to know both of our new ADAPs (Assistant Director of Academic Programs) in the department: Noni Bourne and Farah Dharamshi!

Tell us a little bit about your academic history:

Noni: I went to Spelman College for undergrad and completed a Masters in English and American Literature at Georgetown University.

Farah: I have a bachelors in science (BS) in environmental studies from the University of Winnipeg (I’m Canadian!), I hold a masters in science and education (MSEd) in public health from the University of Toledo, and a juris master- JM (master in law) in global health law from Emory University.

Where were you before arriving at Rollins?

Noni: My last position was at Trinity Washington University in D.C., where I worked in academic advising and student success.  Before that, I traveled to the South Pacific with the Peace Corps and spent several years advising NYU students.

Farah: I was a director in the Office of Enrollment Management and Student Services for five years at the Emory University School of Law. I have worked in consulting, and graduate medical education as director of medical education, working primarily with family practice residents. I have conducted research in childhood obesity, and interpersonal violence, and has presented numerous seminars on these topics along with early cognitive development, and women’s preventative health. I am also an active community volunteer, and serves as a principal and teacher on the weekends at an early childhood development center.

Why did you want to become an ADAP for the Epidemiology Department?

Noni: I was interested in the ADAP role because it allows me to support students from orientation all the way through to graduation, which is the best part of my job. I’m also really looking forward to learning about and being involved in the inner workings of the department, including admissions and student programming.

Farah: I love working with students, and helping individuals reach their highest potential! It is very rewarding for me to see the change, growth, and development that happens when students find and pursue their passion. I am also excited about the tremendous amount of collaboration both within RSPH, and across Emory to provide an exemplary student experience.

What are you most excited about at Emory?

Noni: I’m excited to join a vibrant, diverse, and well-respected community of scholars, students, and staff.  I’m also excited to learn more about public health and Epidemiology specifically, which are new to me; but (as you already know) have influenced much of my life.

Farah: I had an amazing experience being a student here, and decided to stay! The great minds, and diversity on campus makes each day an adventure.

What goals do you have when it comes to working with your new MPH students?

Noni: I’m looking forward to helping them make the most of their experience and training here at Emory.  That means different things for every student; so I’m excited to get to know my advisees better!

Farah: I’m excited to start meeting all of my students. I’m looking forward to learning about each one individually, and supporting them throughout their time here at Rollins!

What books are you currently reading, or what podcasts are you currently listening to?

Noni:  I’m a big fiction reader.  I recently finished An American Marriage, which is by Tayari Jones (my Spelman sister and current Emory professor).  Before that I was riveted by N.K. Jemisin’s sci-fi/fantasy trilogy The Broken Earth.  I haven’t decided what’s next, and am open to recommendations!

Farah: I am always listening to something, and very rarely watch anything. My favorite podcasts are: RadioLab, OnBeing, the TED Radio Hour, Science VS, HIDDEN BRAIN, Planet Money, Revisionist History, Science Rules, and Science Friday. I am currently reading: When Breath Becomes Air, The Checklist Manifesto, and The Obesity Code.

What are three fun facts that you want people to know about you?

Noni:

  1. Fall is my favorite season, so I am currently living my best sweater and PSL life.
  2. My guilty pleasure is Netflix binge-watching.
  3. I like to cook and my most used spice is cumin. 

Farah:

  1. I love to run – I’ve run in a lot of amazing cities around the world – it’s the best way to know a place.
  2. I love to cook everything, although I am currently expanding my vegetarian repertoire for my daughter’s recent conversion.
  3. I spent my first five years in Africa – Kampala, Uganda.

Upcoming Events

  • Emory Farmers Market Stroll April 2, 2024 at 11:00 am – 1:30 pm Networking and Special Event Event Type: Networking,Special EventContact Name: Staff CouncilContact Email: rsphstaffcouncil@emory.eduLace up your sneakers and join the RSPH Staff Council for a refreshing walk to the Emory Farmers Market. Grab lunch, support local businesses, and stay as long as you like. Meet between RRR and O. Wayne Rollins Buildings at 11 AM to walk over as a…
  • The EGDRC and Dr. Judy Gichoya presents: "Opportunistic Screening for Diabetes Using Artificial Intelligence Applied to Radiology Images" April 9, 2024 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Zoom Online Location: ZoomSpeaker: Dr. Judy GichoyaContact Name: Wendy GillContact Email: wggill@emory.eduLink: https://tinyurl.com/Judy-GichoyaDr. Judy Gichoya is an Associate Professor in the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences at Emory University School of Medicine:
  • Humphrey Fellows Noontime Seminar Series April 11, 2024 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Networking and Guest Lecture and Meeting and Special Event and Student Event; zoom.us… Online Location: https://zoom.us/j/95325531576Event Type: Networking,Guest Lecture,Meeting,Special Event,Student EventSeries: Noontime SeminarSpeaker: Various Speakers - see details by dateContact Name: Kris ValerianoContact Email: kvaleri@emory.eduRoom Location: RRR_R809Link: https://sph.emory.edu/departments/gh/fellows/humphrey-fellows/index.htmlFellows will present on a topic pertaining to their home country, culture and/or their work in public health.Deb Mcfarland Room, 8th floor RRR.3.28: Abeselom Gutta, MD &Yeshoda Aryal, MPH4.11: Ola Ziara,…

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