Author Archives: Chloe Wolma

#WeAreEmoryEpi: Surya Krishnakumar

Category : #WeAreEmoryEPI

Welcome back to #WeAreEmoryEPI! For this week’s Student Spotlight, we have Surya Krishnakumar, a second-year MPH Student giving us a different perspective as she looks forward to graduating soon! 

Interview conducted by Aditi Nayak.

Where did you go to school before joining #EmoryEPI at Rollins School of Public Health? 

I completed my undergrad in Dentistry from India before transitioning into public health. I am currently a second-year MPH student in Epidemiology at Rollins School of Public Health, where I am also pursuing the Infectious Disease Epidemiology certificate. My clinical background sparked my interest in understanding diseases beyond individual patients and at the population level, which ultimately led me to epidemiology. 

When applying, what were you looking for within public health, and why did you choose #EmoryEPI for your MPH? 

I chose Emory Epidemiology because I wanted strong, applied training that connects directly to real clinical and infectious disease research. With my background in dentistry, Emory felt like the right place to build rigorous EPI and BIOS skills while staying close to patient-centered public health. I was also drawn to the opportunities to work across hospital and clinic settings in Atlanta. 

What are your primary research interests? 

My primary research interests are in HIV and infectious disease epidemiology, particularly cardiometabolic outcomes among women living with HIV and disparities in PrEP access. I am especially interested in applying quantitative methods to understand long-term treatment effects, metabolic changes, and structural inequities in care delivery. 

Are there any exciting certificates/projects you are currently working on that you’d like to share with us? 

I’m currently in the Infectious Disease Epidemiology Certificate and work as a Graduate Research Assistant in Emory School of Medicine’s Infectious Disease Division. I also worked as a Collaborative Biostatistics Intern, analyzing outcomes related to INSTI-based ART switches and cardiovascular risk. In addition, I’m working on my thesis under the PRISM Viral Epidemiology Program, analyzing telePrEP disparities in PrEP access in the U.S. 

What has been your favorite class at Rollins thus far, and why? 

One of my favorite classes at Rollins has been EPI 546 (HIV Epidemiology). I really enjoyed how the course integrated epidemiologic methods with real-world HIV research, policy, and clinical implications. It strengthened my understanding of HIV transmission dynamics, prevention strategies, and treatment outcomes, while directly complementing the research I’m involved in at Emory. 

What advice do you have for new #EmoryEPI students? 

Start early and stay consistent. Reach out to mentors, join a project, and let your skills grow through real work. You don’t need to feel “fully ready” before applying for research roles. Showing up, learning, and following through will definitely help you find your place.   

Thank you for your helpful advice and insights from your #EmoryEPI journey, Surya!   

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!  

Graduate Research Assistant, Emory Prevention Research Center

Category : Student Opportunities

Job Title: Emory Prevention Research Center’s Graduate Research Assistant (GRA)

Hours per week: 15-20 hours/week

Schedule requirements/preferences: Availability to work a flexible schedule (15-20 hours per week) through
Spring/Summer 2027. Must be able to commit to working some evenings and weekends. Required to work inperson (hybrid option may be approved after 3-4 months of demonstrated success).

Position Type: Part-time

Organization: Emory Prevention Research Center (EPRC)

Operating Unit: Rollins School of Public Health (RSPH)

Department: Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences (BSHES)

Position Description: The Emory Prevention Research Center (EPRC) seeks 1-2 part-time Graduate Research Assistants (15-20 hours/week each) to support the Tribal Smoke-Free Homes project:

  • The Tribal Smoke-Free Homes project is a collaborative study between Emory and National Native Network
    members to test an innovative model for promoting smoke-free homes and reducing secondhand smoke in
    Native American nonsmokers and children. GRA tasks for the study include data collection via telephone
    interviews, data entry, participation in team meetings, and other duties as assigned. GRAs may also have the
    opportunity to contribute to EPRC communications efforts and other ongoing projects.

Background: The EPRC conducts research and evaluation on chronic disease prevention and promotes evidencebased cancer prevention and control. The research and activities of the EPRC are planned with the participation and input of our community partners, in the spirit of community-based participatory research. Our cancer projects are funded by NCI and the CDC to promote the use of evidence-based cancer prevention practices. See
http://web1.sph.emory.edu/eprc/ for more information about the EPRC.

Minimum Qualifications: Highly motivated, efficient, organized, detail-oriented, and interest or experience in
human subjects research, evaluation, or cancer prevention and control. Excellent written and verbal
communication skills. Must be a team player with strong interpersonal skills and cultural humility.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience working with diverse populations. Experience with Microsoft Office
products. Experience with REDCap, Qualtrics, SPSS, and/or NVivo a plus. Qualitative/quantitative data collection
and analysis experience a plus.

Compensation: GRA level salary ($15/hour) – increasing September 1, 2026 ($20/hour)

Start Date: ASAP

Application Deadline: Until positions are filled (Applications will be screened on a rolling basis – please do not wait to apply)

Contact Information: Send resume and cover letter by email to: lbundy [at] emory [dot] edu.

Student Funding Opportunity, Emory Prevention Research Center

Category : Student Opportunities

The EPRC seeks to fund 5 student awards of up to $1,000 each for conducting community-engaged research in Georgia as part of thesis and dissertation projects.  

Eligible students will be master’s or doctoral students at Emory with a thesis or dissertation research project conducted in collaboration with a community partner. The research should focus on chronic disease prevention (i.e. cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes) and/or social determinants of health (i.e. economic stability, housing, education, built environment, food security, etc.). The research can be at any stage (e.g., data analysis) and does not require in-person data collection.

To apply:

  1. List your name, department and school, advisor’s name, degree sought
  2. Provide a summary of your research project with these sections (2 page max):
    a. Chronic disease or social determinant of health focus
    b. Research questions and methods
    c. Description of community partner and their role in the research
    d. Timeline
  3. Budget and justification (funds can be used for research-related expenses only)
  4. A letter from a community partner is highly recommended

Clinic Volunteer Opportunity, American Cancer Society

Category : Student Opportunities

The American Cancer Society (ACS) is seeking student volunteers to take part in an initiative called ACS CARES™ at the Emory Winship Cancer Institute in the Fall 2026 semester. Through ACS CARES student volunteers will provide non-clinical navigation support to people with cancer and their caregivers.

For more information, visit the student recruitment packet linked here.

Benefits of Becoming an ACS CARES Student Volunteer:

  • Counts towards clinical hours
  • Reduces health disparities in the local community
  • Supports vulnerable populations seeking guidance
  • Great resume builder
  • Receive official American Cancer Society training

How to Apply:

  1. Click this link to access the ACS CARES Clinic Student Volunteer Application: https://wkf.ms/3Qk95Dv
  2. Submit your application.

Spring Townhall, Department of Epidemiology

Category : News/Events

What: Join department representatives for a townhall meeting!

When: March 25, 2026 from 12:00-1:00pm | RRR 100

SDOH Film Screening, Rollins School of Public Health

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. 

When: Wednesday March 25th, 2026 from 5pm-6:30pm | CNR 1000

Mock Interview Night & Industry Mixer, Rollins School of Public Health

Category : News/Events

The Professional Advancement and Student Experience Center (PASE) cordially invites you to engage with our great students during our Mock Interview Night & Industry Mixer on Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 6:00 – 8:00PM at the Rollins School of Public Health. 

Register Here by noon on Monday, March 23rd! 

We are seeking professionals that would be willing to serve as mock interviewers to help students practice their interviewing skills. No prior experience is necessary. We provide interview questions and tips to give feedback. Reception with hors d’oeuvres will follow, providing an opportunity to network with alumni, other professionals, and students. 

Please let me know if you have any questions … or just want to chat about our great students.  Thank you for your continued support!

Jonathan Burman – Director of Partnerships

Jonathan [dot] Burman [at] emory [dot] edu

Infection Control Epidemiologist, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Category : Alumni

Position Summary: The Infection Control Epidemiologist II supports the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the Infection Prevention program at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. This role leads infection prevention activities within assigned areas, ensuring evidence‑based practices are consistently applied to protect patients, visitors, and staff. Key responsibilities include conducting surveillance, providing education, managing outbreaks and exposures, and driving performance improvement initiatives. The ICE II uses knowledge of epidemiology, infectious diseases, transmission prevention, and adult learning principles to guide practice. The position works under the direction of Hospital Epidemiologists and senior ICE staff and is accountable to HEIC leadership for meeting program goals.

Location: Johns Hopkins Howard County General Hospital in Columbia, MD

Schedule: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM 

Responsibilities:

  • Conduct surveillance for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and monitor infection prevention process measures.
  • Analyze microbiology results, diagnostic reports, and epidemiologic data to identify risks, trends, and outbreaks.
  • Perform investigations of exposures, clusters, and potential outbreaks; implement appropriate control measures.
  • Provide expert consultation on infection prevention practices, equipment, products, and isolation requirements.
  • Lead or support performance improvement initiatives using evidence-based guidelines and PI methods.
  • Deliver training and education on infection prevention for clinical and non-clinical staff.
  • Maintain regulatory-compliant records, prepare reports, and communicate findings to units, leadership, and health agencies.
  • Participate in policy review, development, and dissemination of infection prevention standards.
  • Conduct environmental and unit rounds to assess compliance with infection control practices.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, committees, Occupational Health, and other internal partners.
Qualifications:
 
  • Bachelor’s degree required in Nursing, Microbiology, Epidemiology, or related field preferred. Master’s in Public Health or related discipline preferred.
  • Strong understanding of infection prevention and control, epidemiology, microbiology, HAIs, cleaning/disinfection/sterilization, adult learning principles, regulatory requirements, and performance improvement.
  • Certification in Infection Control (CIC) required 
  • Minimum of 2 years of related experience in an inpatient setting (e.g., Infection Control, Nursing, Microbiology, Epidemiology, Health Education, Public Health).

For more information and application instructions, visit the job posting linked here.

Senior Biostatistician, Edwards Lifesciences

Category : Alumni

Edwards Lifesciences is hiring a Senior Biostatistician to be based in Irvine, CA. As part of the Clinical Affairs team, the candidate will hone their scientific curiosity and passion for evaluating data to increase access to pioneering technologies for patients in need. In close partnership with principal investigators, dedicated medical professionals, patient advocacy groups, and regulatory authorities, the candidate will drive the evidence needed to optimize patient outcomes.

The Senior Biostatistician participates in the planning and execution of statistical tasks for assigned studies within a project under high level guidance from management or more senior level project statistician.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop Statistical Analysis Plans (SAPs) and lead the execution effort for assigned studies.

  • Develop statistical programs as necessary to ensure the accuracy of the planned and completed analyses or exploratory analyses.

  • Review protocols and contribute to protocol statistical analysis sections, and generate study randomization scheme when appropriate.

  • Author results sections of the clinical study reports and supply statistical input for PMA submissions and in response to regulatory questions.

  • Provide independent validation of the statistical content in study documents including randomization, study reports, briefing documents, patient brochures, publications, and other content delivered to external entities.

  • Keep abreast of new developments in statistics, drug development, and regulatory guidance through literature review and attendance at workshops and professional meetings.

  • Represent Biostatistics in study team and work with management and other team members regarding study status and timeline update.

  • Participate in developing case report forms and clinical database and data cleaning to ensure quality data collection.


Requirements:

  • Master’s Degree or equivalent in Statistics, Biostatistics or related field , 2 years’ experience previous analytical experience in clinical trials OR

  • Ph.D. or equivalent in Statistics, Biostatistics or related field internship, senior projects, or thesis in Statistics, Biostatistics or related field

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Survival analysis experience

  • Proven expertise in SAS

  • Experience using other software packages (e.g., R, S-Plus)

  • Statistical Analysis Plans (SAP)

  • Proven expertise in MS Office Suite including Word, PowerPoint, Access, and Excel

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal relationship skills including negotiating and relationship management skills

  • Keeps abreast of new developments in statistics and regulatory guidance

  • Extensive understanding and knowledge in statistical methodologies related to clinical trial designs, statistical modeling and data analyses

  • Extensive understanding and knowledge of regulatory guidelines (e.g., GCP, ICH, FDA, ISO) relevant to in Pharmaceutical/Medical Device research setting

For more information and application instructions, visit the job posting linked here.

Pilot Project and Training Awards, Goizueta Alzheimers Disease Research Center

Category : News/Events

The Goizueta ADRC is actively soliciting applications for the following programs:

  • Pilot Projects: Up to $50,000, Supports early-stage work (~8 awards). Letters of intent due April 3rd, 2026. Application linked here.

  • REC Training Awards: Opportunity for enhanced training in dementia-focused research  (3 – 5 candidates). Applications due April 10th, 2026. Application linked here.

Following review of pilot project LOIs, applications will be invited with a submission deadline in May.

Areas of research can range from basic and clinical investigations to education, lifestyle, and caregiving. Studies of pre-clinical phases of disease and approaches useful in differentiating disease processes from normal aging, as well as multi-etiology dementia, early interventions, imaging and biomarkers, are encouraged. Projects are intended for new/early-stage faculty or established faculty seeking new directions.  Applicants may consult with ADRC scientists for strategic and statistical advice.

Review criteria for pilot projects include:

  • Novelty, importance, and feasibility of the proposed research
  • Likelihood of generating independent funding and publishable results
  • Use of GADRC resources (e.g., subjects or clinical data from participants, tissue and/or fluid samples, DNA, neuroimaging, proteomic & genomic resources, etc.), Cognitive Empowerment Program (CEP) resources, and/or resources available through the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC) and/or the National Centralized Repository for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (NCRAD) is strongly encouraged.
  • Alignment between scope of proposed project and budget
  • Proposed work should adhere to NIH guidelines for statistical rigor, animal welfare, and protection of human subjects

REC Training Awards:

The REC provides support for trainees who are graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, or junior faculty and are interested in developing greater experience in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Alzheimer’s disease-related dementia (ADRD) research, through enhanced mentoring, networking, and curricular activities. For a list of current REC faculty, please contact Laura Donnelly (ldonnel [at] emory [dot] edu).

*For questions regarding eligibility or appropriateness of potential research projects, please contact Laura Donnelly at ldonnel [at] emory [dot] edu.

Follow Us

Recent Posts

Upcoming Events

No upcoming events

Follow Us on Social Media:

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

Meta

Topics

Upcoming Events

No upcoming events

#Trending

Epidemiology Department Rollins School of Public Health