Author Archives: Alex Whicker

CFDE University Course: Pandemic Reflections

Category : News/Events

Call for student participation: undergraduates, graduates, professional students.
 

CFDE University Course- Fall 2022 

Pandemic ReflectionsTuesday 1-4pm 

Course Convener: Dr. Jodie Guest 

Course Description: 

Often discussions of pandemics focus on infectious diseases, public health outreach and communication, and perhaps even vaccine development and roll out. But pandemics are also like mirrors. They offer a reflection of both who we are and who we can be as a global community. What can they teach us about ourselves, our society, and even our world?  

This course will focus on the HIV/AIDS and Covid-19 pandemics as two (ongoing) events that have taught us about science and disease. But they have also brought a sharper focus on issues surrounding stigma, religion, communication, inequity, and politics. Drawing on these two pandemics, we will begin to ponder how they help explore our current context more deeply and shape our responses to future pandemics.   What were our lessons learned? How might we carry them forward? 

Space is limited in this course, not all that apply are guaranteed a place in the course. 

To apply for the course, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/kkVaRdXRr6ERDEfb7 


EPI 747 TA

Calling all Epi PhD students interested in working as a TA in the fall! The Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health has a TA opening that we would like to fill with an Epi PhD student. Please see below with more information regarding the course and application process.

Course Title  EHS/EPI 747: Advanced Environmental Epidemiology

Time – Wednesdays, 1:00 – 2:50pm

Hour and Pay – ~10 hours a week | 1st & 2nd Years – $15/hr; 3rd Year and Beyond – $18/hr

Course Description – Students will gain experience reading, evaluating, and interpreting epidemiologic studies on the health impact of workplace and environmental exposures. The course aims to strengthen each student’s ability to understand and interpret the epidemiological literature. These skills will be developed through class lectures, assigned readings, and case studies. Although most case studies require data analysis, the focus of the class is on conceptual issues common in environmental epidemiology rather than on applied statistics.

Interested applicants should email Dr. Kyle Steenland with a copy of their CV/Resume and a brief statement of interest.


Epidemiologist, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

Category : Alumni

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is hiring a Research Epidemiologist to work with our sickle cell disease team: https://careers.choa.org/us/en/job/R-4043/Research-Epidemiologist

The epidemiologist is responsible for data management and reporting from the SCD clinical database and leading analyses to answer pertinent clinical research questions.  We are looking for candidates with a couple years of experience after graduation and expertise with SAS or R programming.

Interested or have questions? rebecca [dot] lewis [at] choa [dot] org


Intramural Research Training Award Student Fellowships, Center for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias

On behalf of the newly formed Center for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias (CARD) (https://card.nih.gov/) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it is our pleasure to inform you about a unique training and career development opportunity. Under a new collaborative fellowship program developed by CARD, qualified candidates will receive a remunerated full-time position to work at CARD while completing coursework to earn a paid MPS degree through partnership between the Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences at NIH (FAES) and UMBC.   CARD is seeking to recruit a diverse and inclusive candidate pool for several open Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) Student fellowships across three cohorts. The program aims to increase representation and inclusivity in biomedical data science and train healthcare researchers to grow their data science skills, cultivating the next generation of data science and bioinformatics professionals at CARD. While working at CARD, fellowship awardees will gain foundational knowledge in data analysis and data management through the FAES-UMBC MPS program. The selected candidates will receive collaborative instruction and research performed at CARD with experts in the field. Fellows will have the opportunity to use and refine new skills working with real data curated at CARD. CARD is a collaborative effort and puts a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research. If you have undergraduates or recent graduates who may be interested in pursuing a MPS in data science while working at NIH, please share this opportunity with them. We invite you to publicize and post about this paid fellowship and share it with related organizations that may be interested in a unique career pathway in biomedical data science. Learn more at https://faes.org/CARD-FAES-UMBC_Fellowship Cohort I Application Deadline: midnight May 2, 2022 (EDT) for the August 2022 semester start. For more information on the program, please review the recording of the Virtual Information Session (found herePlease direct questions to CARD staff via email to NIAcardcontact [at] nih [dot] gov 


The Struggle of Differentiating a Want from a Need

Category : PROspective

Written By Jordyn Kohn (Check out the original article on the Emory Financial Literacy website!)

I remember getting my first job in undergrad and finally becoming a more financially independent person. It was a very great feeling knowing that I could support my weekly finances such as groceries, apartment utilities, and other essential things. With the freedom of spending my own hard-earned money, I also was now able to fund various other things that were maybe not as essential, such as grabbing a coffee a few times a week, a new book, or even a weekend trip with friends. While I enjoyed the extra flow of money into my bank account every two weeks, I had to quickly learn the importance of differentiating a “want” from a “need”.

Throughout my years in undergrad, I continued working to support myself through most of my expenses. I realized that as I was receiving these biweekly paychecks, I was not paying enough attention as to where my money was going. What percentage of my paycheck was going to groceries? Utilities? Weekly coffee? I sat down and finally organized my finances and laid out a realistic budget for myself. I was honestly shocked to see just how much money was being unintentionally allocated to “wants” and not “needs”. It was time to reevaluate my priorities and differentiate what in my life was a “want” and what was a “need”.

This was definitely a difficult task as a young undergrad student who just got introduced to the concept of personal finances. I struggled with creating boundaries for myself and defining what I spent my money on. There were many times when I would find myself attempting to justify buying three coffees a week and labeling that as a “need,” because the caffeine addiction was real (and still is). After going over all my payments, both necessary and unnecessary, I was able to easily visualize where my money was going, and how much I was allocating to certain aspects of my life. This was no easy feat, and it was definitely a trial-and-error situation, but I came out of this experience with a much better understanding of where I should be spending the money I make.

Here are some tips that I can now share about differentiating a “want” from a “need”:

  • If it’s something that is necessary for you to live a healthy life, it’s a need.
  • If it’s something that you are choosing to buy but can comfortably live without, it’s a want.
  • Ask yourself if an expense will make you happier or healthier in the long term.
  • Don’t try and convince yourself that a want is actually a need, if it’s not a necessity, it’s a want!
  • Control your impulse spending and stay mindful when you’re shopping.
  • Don’t be afraid to reach out for help, whether it be a family member, friend, or even an online resource such as CashCourse!

 

Jordyn Kohn is a first-year MPH student concentrating in epidemiology with a focus in genetic and molecular epidemiology. When she’s not in class, she’s working with RSPH’s Enrollment Services, helping to improve the overall student experience. Currently, she’s working on implementing financial education tools for all Rollins students through hosting seminars geared towards topics such as budgeting. Jordyn has really been enjoying her time here at Rollins and in Atlanta so far, and is looking forward to beginning her second year this fall!

Featured Image by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash


Research Interns, American Cancer Society

Position Title: Research Interns

Department: Surveillance and Health Equity Science, Intramural Research https://www.cancer.org/research/we-conduct-cancer-research/surveillance-health-services.html

JOB SUMMARY:

This research internship can fulfill the practicum and/or thesis requirement. The intern will participate in projects related to cancer health services research, learning skills for scientific research by conducting data analyses, presenting analytical results to both internal and external collaborators, drafting research proposals and manuscripts and performing other scientific activities under the supervision of senior researchers.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Prepare and analyze data to evaluate cancer care, such as screening, treatment, and survivorship, monitor outcomes such as incidence, mortality and survival, and cancer risk factors; write, test, and submit computer programs in SAS, Stata, or R.

· Conduct literature reviews, assist in developing research proposals and IRB packages, as well as scientific writing.

· Prepare tables and figures for scientific presentations using Excel and/or PowerPoint.

· Potential to lead or co-lead a research project in cancer disparities for thesis work.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

· REQUIRED: Data analysis experience. SAS, Stata, or R programming skills in a public health research environment. Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and oral and written communication skills.

· PREFERRED: Familiarity with SAS-callable SUDAAN and SEER*Stat; experience in cancer epidemiological research.

LOCATION:

· Remotely and/or American Cancer Society Office (TBD)

TIME:

· ~15 hours/week Summer 2022; extendable to the following academia year.

CONTACTS:

· Please send your resume and cover letter to Breanna McKinnon at breanna [dot] mckinnon [at] cancer [dot] org


Career Roundtable, April 21

Category : News/Events

A great one-on-one opportunity to ask your questions to some Emory Faculty and Healthcare Executives about their healthcare journey, tips on networking & job searching. Join this Career Roundtable on April 21 from 1-2 PM in the Lawrence P. and Anne Klamon room. Refreshments will be provided. Register on the Hub!


GRA Positions, Intervention Development, Dissemination, and Implementation Shared Resource at the Winship Cancer Institute

Job Title: Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) – Intervention Development, Dissemination, and Implementation

Hours per week: 12 – 15 hours/week

Schedule requirements/preferences:  Availability to work a consistent schedule during the week. 

Position Type: Part Time

Organization: Intervention Development, Dissemination, and Implementation Shared Resource

Operating Unit: Winship Shared Resources

Department: Winship Cancer Institute

Position Description: The Intervention Development, Dissemination, and Implementation Shared Resource seeks 1 part-time Graduate Research Assistants (12 – 15 hours/week). IDDI provides services to cancer researchers who are looking for support with behavioral science research methods. The GRA in this position will have the opportunity to work on a variety of cancer-related research projects across the cancer spectrum from primary prevention to survivorship. GRA will be involved in qualitative data analysis, conducting structured literature reviews, data collection and data entry, developing data collection instruments (e.g., surveys, focus group guides) or other project materials, preparing summaries and reports, and other duties to support research projects.

Background: IDDI’s mission is to provide Winship members with access to expertise in behavioral science research methods, and to support them in developing, testing, or disseminating behavioral, educational, and systems interventions to prevent cancer, detect cancer early, and/or improve survivorship among Georgia residents. The IDDI team builds on expertise within the Emory Prevention Research Center (EPRC) and the Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health. Click here for more information about the IDDI core.

Minimum Qualifications: Highly motivated, efficient, organized, detail-oriented and interest or experience working on research, evaluation, or cancer prevention and control. Prior experience with qualitative data analysis (e.g., coding).

Preferred Qualifications: Prior work experience preferred. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience with Microsoft Office products. Experience with Excel, Access, online survey software, or SPSS a plus.

Compensation:  $15/hour

Start Date:  as early as May 9, 2022

Application Deadline: till position is filled

(Applications will be screened as they arrive; positions may be filled prior to this deadline.)

Contact Information: Send resume and cover letter by email to: 

Shaheen Rana, IDDI

shaheen [dot] rana [at] emory [dot] edu


Orientation Group Leaders

The Student Engagement Team and the RSPH Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Team are recruiting Orientation Group Leaders, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Ambassadors, and Rollins-Teer Site Leaders. We invite all first-year students to volunteer for 1-2 of these roles. Additional information and the recruitment survey are below.

As we approach the Summer, the Rollins School of Public Health is already excited to welcome the Class of 2024. New Student Orientation 2022 will take place on Monday, August 15 – Friday, August 19,  and we need your help! The RSPH Student Engagement Team and the RSPH Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Team invite you to volunteer for 1-2 of the following roles for New Student Orientation: 

  • Orientation Group Leader (up to 30 OGLs needed) 
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Ambassadors (up to 16 DEI Ambassadors needed) 
  • Rollins-Teer Site Leader (up to 140 Site Leaders needed) 

A complete list of roles, responsibilities, and time commitments may be found here, in the volunteer survey. If you are interested in volunteering for any of these roles, please complete this survey by Friday, April 22, 2022 at 11:59PM EST. Afterwards, the RSPH Student Engagement Team will be in touch with an update regarding your role(s).


Epidemiologist 1, Tennessee Department of Health

Category : Alumni

State of Tennessee Job Information
Opening Date/Time
Thur 04/07/2022 12:00AM Central Time

Closing Date/Time
Wed 04/20/2022 11:59PM Central Time

Salary (Monthly)
$5,222.00

Salary (Annually)
$62,664.00

Job Type
Full-Time

City, State Location
Nashville, TN

Department
Health
Click here to see job posting and apply.
 

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, FAMILY HEALTH AND WELLNESS DIVISION, DAVIDSON COUNTY

 

Minimum Qualifications

 
Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree in epidemiology, public health, biostatistics, statistics or health informatics.

OR:
 
Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree in a health science, biomedical science or environmental science field with experience equivalent to two years’ work experience in epidemiology.

Other Requirements

 
Necessary Special Qualifications: None.
 
Examination Method: Education and Experience, 100%, for Preferred Service positions.

Job Overview

 
Summary: Under direction, is responsible for professional scientific and epidemiological assessments of considerable difficulty; performs related work as required.
 
Distinguishing Features: An incumbent in this class manages data and conducts epidemiological evaluations and studies in communicable and environmental diseases and general population health. The incumbent also participates in making health and risk assessments and provides expertise to health department physicians, medical professionals, other departmental personnel and environmental regulatory personnel. This class differs from that of Epidemiologist 2 in that an incumbent of the latter is responsible for work of greater scope and responsibility and may or may not supervise.

Work Activities

 
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others:
  • Provides guidance on standards to stakeholders and advice to management or other groups on technical, systems, or process related topics.
  • Provides guidance on technical support to stakeholders and advice to management or other groups on technical, systems, or process-related topics.
Processing Information:
  • Conducts basic descriptive epidemiologic analyses and reports findings to supervisor.
  • Compiles, codes, categorizes, calculates, tabulates, audits and verifies information or data.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings:
  • Monitors and reports incidences of diseases or events to local, state and federal agencies to understand the distribution of diseases throughout the state.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems:
  • Participates in the design and evaluation of study protocols and health status questionnaires, sample selections and analyses.
  • Analyzes information and evaluates results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others:
  • Translates or explains what information means and how to can be used.
  • Communicates epidemiologic findings of diseases and health events to stakeholders.
Analyzing Data or Information:
  • Identifies the underlying principles, reasons or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Applies basic statistical knowledge to data analyses.
Interacting with Computers:
  • Utilizes statistical software packages (e.g., EpiInfo, SPSS, SAS).
  • Utilizes computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, set up functions, enter data or process information.
Getting Information:
  • Collects population based information from public health partners and stakeholders to ultimately reduce the incidence and spread of disease.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards:
  • Assesses data to ensure compliance with laws, regulations or standards.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers or Subordinates:
  • Maintains contact with other related public health program staff in order to coordinate operations, functions, activities and services.
  • Provides timely information to supervisors and co-workers in a clear and accurate manner.
  • Identifies issues needing management’s attention and seeks support as needed.
Thinking Creatively:
  • Participates in the development, design or creation of new applications, ideas, relationships, strategies, systems or products.
Documenting/Recording Information:
  • Enters, transcribes, records, stores or maintains information.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public:
  • Deals directly with the public in a professional manner as directed by management.
Identifying Objects, Actions and Events:
  • Conducts surveillance activities for diseases and identifies health events.
  • Identifies data sources that can be used to identify health related events.
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization:
  • Performs public contact and liaison work with other departments, governmental entities, social and community agencies or individuals.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge:
  • Keeps up-to-date technically and applies new knowledge to the job.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships:
  • Develops constructive and cooperative working relationships with others and maintains them over time.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work:
  • Works with management to develop goals and plans to prioritize, organize and accomplish the work.
Training and Teaching Others:
  • Works with management to identify the educational needs of others.
  • Participates in the development of educational or training programs or classes.
  • Participates in teaching or instructing others, as required.
Performing Administrative Activities:
  • Performs day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining files and processing paperwork.

Competencies (KSA’S)

 
Competencies:
  • Ethics and Values
  • Functional/Technical Competency
  • Integrity and Trust
  • Intellectual Horsepower
  • Learning on the Fly
  • Organizing
  • Problem Solving
  • Technical Learning
  • Time Management
Knowledge:
  • Biology
  • Clerical
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Mathematics
Skills:
  • Active Learning
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Mathematics
  • Monitoring
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Science
  • Speaking
  • Writing
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Programming
  • Troubleshooting
  • Time Management
  • Service Orientation
Abilities:
  • Deductive Reasoning
  • Inductive Reasoning
  • Information Ordering
  • Mathematical Reasoning
  • Oral Comprehension
  • Oral Expression
  • Problem Sensitivity
  • Time Sharing
  • Written Comprehension
  • Written Expression
  • Speech Recognition

Tools and Equipment Used

 
  • Personal Computer
  • Telephone
  • Fax Machine
  • Printer
  • Scanner
  • Copy Machine
  • Calculator
  • Electronic Devices
  • Smart Phone
Other Office Related Equipment as Required

Upcoming Events

  • EGDRC Seminar: Lynn Aboue-Jaoudé January 14, 2025 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Seminar Series; tinyurl.com… Online Location: https://tinyurl.com/Lynn-Abou-JaoudeEvent Type: Seminar SeriesSeries: Health System Users in Vulnerable Situations: Normative Experiences and “New Ways of Life”Speaker: Lynn Abou-JaoudéContact Name: Wendy GillContact Email: wggill@emory.eduLink: https://tinyurl.com/Lynn-Abou-JaoudeDr. Lynn Abou-Jaoudé studies sociocultural challenges in healthcare experiences, focusing on qualitative research and diabetes prevention at the University of Lille’s LUMEN lab.
  • GCDTR Seminar: Erin Ferranti, PhD, MPH, RN January 21, 2025 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Seminar Series; tinyurl.com… Online Location: https://tinyurl.com/ErinFerrantiEvent Type: Seminar SeriesSeries: Cardiometabolic Risk and Resource Connection in Maternal HealthSpeaker: Erin Ferranti, PhD, MPH, RNContact Name: Wendy GillContact Email: wggill@emory.eduRoom Location: RRR_R809Link: https://tinyurl.com/ErinFerrantiDr. Erin Ferranti, Emory Assistant Professor, researches women’s cardiometabolic disease prevention, health inequities, maternal morbidity, farmworker health, diabetes, and hypertension using biomarkers for early risk identification.

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