News, updates, and information for current students and alumni of the Department of Epidemiology at Rollins School of Public Health
Category : News/Events
In recognition of World Birth Defects Day, MotherToBaby/OTIS invites healthcare professionals to join them for a FREE webinar: Assisted Reproduction and Birth Defects Risk Presented by Sarah Običan, MD.
When: March 3rd, 2026 at 12:00pm EST | Registration required. Sign up here!
Category : Alumni Student Opportunities
Since 1982, ASPPH has supported the professional development of more than 2,100 recent public health graduates through fellowship and internship programs in partnership with CDC. Established in 1995, the ASPPH/CDC Public Health Fellowship Program is a collaborative effort between the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The program strengthens host site capacity, advances priority public health initiatives, enhances data and evaluation efforts, fosters innovation, and supports long-term governmental public health workforce development.
The fellowship program provides mentored, applied learning opportunities for early-career professionals holding master’s and doctoral degrees in public health. Participants build upon their academic training while gaining hands-on experience with national public health initiatives, advanced technologies and data systems, and direct engagement with CDC subject-matter experts. These experiences are designed to bridge academic preparation and real-world practice, strengthening participants’ professional skills in applied public health settings.
By the conclusion of the program, participants have made meaningful contributions to CDC-aligned public health projects and developed a strong foundation of skills to support long-term careers in governmental public health. The fellowship will run from September 2026 – August 2027.
For more information and application instructions, visit the website linked here. Applications are due March 13th.
ASPPH will host an informational webinar for interested Fellowship applicants. Registration is required.
Date/Time: Tuesday, February 24, 2026; 1 – 2 PM Eastern.
Category : PROspective
Thinking about life beyond academia or government work? You’re not alone. More and more epidemiology grads are finding their footing in the world of pharma and biotech—and loving it. Whether you’re driven by data, strategy, or innovation, industry roles offer a fast-paced, impactful environment where epi skills shine. If you’re curious about making the leap, here are some tips to get you started:
Learn the Lingo
Pharma and biotech use a slightly different dialect than academia or public health. Terms like real-world evidence (RWE), HEOR (health economics and outcomes research), clinical development, and regulatory affairs come up often. Start getting familiar with this language through LinkedIn job posts, webinars, or company blogs. It’ll help you understand what different roles actually entail—and you’ll be able to speak their language in interviews.
Network with Intention
Connecting with Rollins alums or other professionals in industry can open doors that a cold resume can’t. But rather than sending a generic message, do a little homework first—mention something specific about their background or role that caught your attention. During informational interviews, ask thoughtful questions like what surprised them most about working in industry, or what skills they use daily. These conversations are gold when it comes to tailoring your own path.
Consider Internships and Fellowships
Getting your foot in the door is often easier through structured programs. Look into opportunities like the CDC’s ORISE Fellowship (which sometimes partners with industry), or internships at companies like Genentech, Amgen, or Moderna. Many of these programs look for graduate students with strong analytical skills and public health experience—aka you. Even short-term roles can give you insider exposure and valuable talking points for future applications.
Build Skills That Translate
Industry loves data-savvy problem solvers. Strong programming skills in SAS, R, Python, and experience managing large healthcare or claims databases will give you a major edge. But soft skills count too—project management, cross-functional communication, and an ability to translate complex findings into actionable insights are all highly valued. Think about how to frame your academic work in a way that shows impact and collaboration.
Tailor Your Resume Like a Pro
Industry resumes are short, punchy, and focused on results. Ditch the dense paragraphs and opt for bullet points that highlight accomplishments—did your analysis help improve a program? Did you coordinate across departments? Use numbers and action verbs whenever possible. It’s less about listing everything you’ve done and more about showing how you’ve made a difference.
Keep an Open Mind About Job Titles
Not every job with “epidemiologist” in the title is in academia—and not every industry role that fits your background will use that title. Look out for positions like Clinical Scientist, Medical Affairs Associate, RWE Analyst, Pharmacovigilance Specialist, or Health Outcomes Researcher. Read job descriptions carefully, and don’t be afraid to apply if you meet most—but not all—of the qualifications.
Stay Curious About the Industry
Pharma and biotech are constantly evolving. Stay current by following companies on LinkedIn, subscribing to newsletters like Endpoints News, STAT, or Fierce Pharma, and tracking policy updates from the FDA or EMA. Having a sense of industry trends—like the rise of personalized medicine or AI in drug development—can help you hold your own in interviews and understand where you might fit in.
Category : Student Opportunities
This study team is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented Rollins School of Public Health (REAL) student to support ongoing HIV prevention research. The Graduate Research Assistant (GRA)’s primary responsibilities include supporting participant outreach and recruitment efforts, managing study tracking logs and datasets, and ensuring timely and accurate data collection and documentation. The RA may also assist with reviewing and editing study materials, preparing research documents, and supporting data analysis using software such as R, SPSS, or MAXQDA. When appropriate, the RA may have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience contributing to scoping or systematic reviews and manuscript preparation while working closely with a multidisciplinary research team.
The lab conducts studies focused on pharmacy-based models to expand access to HIV prevention and care services, including HIV testing, PrEP, and other community-based interventions. Ideal candidates will have prior experience working with populations at risk for HIV and demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced research environment.
Key Responsibilities
Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Time Commitment
Compensation
Students will receive $15/hour through the Rollins Earn and Learn (REAL) program
To Apply: send an email to ahudso6 [at] emory [dot] edu with “2026 GRA Applicant” as your subject line. Please include your resume and a brief statement of interest.
Category : Student Opportunities
Dr. Joanne Henderson and the HealthPREP Summer Program is currently looking for RSPH students to become Facilitators and Mentors (FAMs). It is a paid position, and it can count as an APE.
Health Professions Readiness Education Program (HealthPREP) at Emory is an 8-week summer program (June 1 – July 24, 2026) facilitated by Emory School of Medicine (SOM) in partnership with the Rollins School of Public Health (RSPH). HealthPREP provides resources to first generation and low-income undergraduate and graduate scholars who are interested in training to enhance their skills for competitive admissions in health-related graduate programs.
The FAM’s primary responsibilities involve instructional facilitation and mentorship with a strong sense of leadership and interdisciplinary work. HealthPREP FAM are expected to foster a supportive learning environment in which students are encouraged to increase their knowledge regarding the field of public health and learn to exhibit behaviors of future healthcare professionals and leaders.
More information and application instructions can be found on the job posting linked here.
Category : News/Events
RSGA social chairs, Kaity and Matthew, who organized our recent Convos on Tap event are looking for your feedback about the event, so they can continue to improve your experience at these events. If you attended the event in early February, please take a moment to fill out this survey (Feedback Form – Convos on Tap – Fill out form).
Secondly, Kaity and Matthew are also looking to better understand what you all want to prioritize for Fall Fling this year. Please fill out this form if you are looking to provide your input: https://survey.qualtrics.emory.edu/jfe/form/SV_1M6dfIXkDNxumuW
Category : News/Events
A research team at Michigan State University is documenting what’s happened to CDC/ATSDR under the new Presidential Administration. The team invites current and former employees, fellows, contractors, students, IPAs, and guest researchers who worked under this Administration to share what happened to you and your coworkers.
It is a 30-min anonymous online survey that will ask about RIFs, resignations, leadership and policy changes, morale, stress, 8/8, and how it’s affected your work and your health.
Start the survey here: https://redcap.link/cdc
More info about the study and the study team at Michigan State University: https://epibio.msu.edu/research/cdc-workforce
Category : #WeAreEmoryEPI
Welcome back to #WeAreEmoryEPI! Today, we’re spotlighting Michael Georgescu, a PhD student in #EmoryEPI, as he talks about his path, passions, and experiences within the program.
Interview conducted by Aditi Nayak.
Tell us about your academic history/where you went to school before Emory.
My academic history began at Jefferson Community College in Upstate New York, where I earned my Associate’s degree in Psychology. I then received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Binghamton University. I then went to Yale University for my Master’s in Public Health on the Social and Behavioral Sciences track. I took two years off from school and worked at the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging in an epidemiology laboratory. I am currently a PhD student in the Department of Epidemiology at Emory University.
When applying, what were you looking for within public health, and why did you choose #EmoryEPI for your MPH?
After completing my MPH at Yale and then a post-graduate fellowship at the National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), I was inspired by the diversity of researchers and dedicated faculty there who were trying to improve health, resiliency, and recovery. I chose the Emory EPI PhD because I wanted to be like those NIH researchers while building on my MPH education. Emory EPI, like the NIH, has a diverse research faculty and staff, while fostering an intellectual environment that inspires young public health professionals and researchers, and an environment I wanted to be a part of.
What are your primary research interests?
My primary research interests lie in neuropsychiatric epidemiology and cardiovascular determinants of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias.
Are there any exciting certificates/projects you are currently working on that you’d like to share with us?
Currently, I am a teaching assistant for Social Epidemiology and work with Dr. Amit Shah, studying Vietnam Era Twins’ cognitive and cardiovascular health. I also co-mentor master’s students on their research. I am also working on personal research projects examining the psychiatric and functional burden of depression in US veterans.
What has been your favorite class at Rollins thus far, and why?
Aging Epidemiology has been my favorite class thus far. The class not only aligns with my existing research interests but also delves into aspects of healthy aging that I did not know much about. Such as the environment and aging, caregiver support, public policies about aging, and so much more. If you are interested or curious about healthy aging and at Emory, I encourage you to take this interesting class.
What advice do you have for new #EmoryEPI students?
Be kind to yourself, the MPH and PhD education is a hard journey, but very rewarding and well worth it. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help; graduate education is not a solo journey. At Emory EPI, you will certainly have a family to support and help you.
Thank you for your helpful advice, Michael!
To our readers: keep an eye out for the Confounder newsletter every Monday for more #WeAreEmoryEPI student spotlights, and feel free to reach out to aditi [dot] nayak [at] emory [dot] edu if you want to share your #EmoryEPI journey!
Category : Student Opportunities
Interested in completing a summer field experience in a low or middle-income country? The Global Field Experience (GFE) Financial Award Program at Emory University offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in public health.
Why it matters: Securing a GFE award can significantly enhance your professional development and career prospects. This award provides financial support for experiential learning opportunities, which are crucial for applying theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.
To be considered for this award:
For more information about the GFE award, visit the webpage linked here.
Category : News/Events
What: The Social Determinants of Health Certificate Program invites you to a Film Screening and Discussion of the award winning documentary, A Road Out. This is a documentary film highlighting the story of six South African health pioneers who escaped apartheid to transform community medicine in North Carolina and the American South.
When: Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Film Screening: 5 – 6:00pm, Discussion: 6 – 6:30pm | CNR 1000
Recent Comments