Author Archives: Chloe Wolma

#WeAreEmoryEpi: Neyati Patel

Category : #WeAreEmoryEPI

Welcome back to #WeAreEmoryEPI! For our first spotlight this New Year, we have Neyati Patel, a first-year MPH student, sharing insights from her #EmoryEPI journey so far. 

Interview conducted by Aditi Nayak.

Tell us about your academic history/where you went to school before Emory. 

I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Kentucky, where I studied Human Health Sciences. During my time there, I was involved in equestrian research that focused on injury prevention and longevity among horse riders, specifically jockeys and competitive riders. Our work examined ways to minimize head, neck, and spine injuries through performance testing and applied research, which sparked my interest in how epidemiologic methods can be used to improve health outcomes. 

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

I chose Emory EPI because of its strong reputation as one of the leading epidemiology programs in the country and the opportunity to learn from faculty who are deeply involved in real-world public health research and practice. I was also drawn to Emory’s strong connections with healthcare systems, public health agencies, and other organizations across Atlanta and beyond.   

What are your primary research interests? 

My primary research interests focus on infectious disease surveillance and the role it plays in identifying disparities and guiding public health action. I am particularly interested in how surveillance data can be used not only to track disease patterns, but also to inform more equitable prevention and intervention strategies. 

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

I’m currently pursuing the Infectious Disease Epidemiology certificate, and I work with the Georgia Emerging Infections Program on Active Bacterial Core surveillance. In this role, I support surveillance activities, data abstraction, and quality assurance efforts.  

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

My favorite class at Rollins so far has been HIV Epidemiology. It has deepened my understanding of the disease, from transmission dynamics to prevention strategies and long-term outcomes. Dr. Jodie Guest makes complex concepts engaging and consistently connects the science to real-world public health practice. I also enjoyed taking Epidemiologic Methods 1 with her, as it gave me a strong foundation in different study designs and helped me think more critically about how we generate and interpret evidence in public health research. 

What advice do you have for new #EmoryEPI students? 

My advice is to really put yourself out there and take initiative- go to events, introduce yourself to faculty, apply for opportunities even if you feel unsure, and start building your network early. Emory has incredible resources and connections, but the more proactive and engaged you are, the more you’ll get out of the experience!   

Thanks for sharing such great insights, Neyati!   

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!  

Summer Accelerator, The Hatchery

Category : Student Opportunities

The Hatchery Summer Accelerator powered by Right Shift is now accepting applications. This program is open to ALL undergraduate and graduate Emory students, regardless of academic concentration.

The program blends The Hatchery’s business curriculum with the AI tools, technical infrastructure and engineering support of RightShift Accelerator (an IntuitioLabs company).

In this program, founders will:

·        validate business models

·        build prototypes

·        develop clear go-to-market strategies

Students in this program will receive a stipend of $15 per hour for up to 40 hours a week, with a 20 hour weekly minimum.

Programming runs May 28 to July 30 and concludes with a live pitch event. Founders also receive 12 weeks of post-program support, including advisory sessions, continued platform access, investor introductions and alumni network integration.

If you are an Emory student and would like to apply, more information and our application can be found here or at https://bit.ly/acc-right-shift. Applications are due on March 6 at 5 PM. 

Period Product Donation Drive, WASH Action Research and Practice

Category : News/Events

Throughout the month of February, WARP is hosting a period product drive to collect essential menstrual hygiene items for individuals in our community who experience period poverty.

The drive will last until 5pm on February 23rd. The donation box is located near Dancing Goats in RRR. All donations will go towards Atlanta GLOW‘s mission to help underserved women and girls.

Accepted items:

  • Pads
  • Tampons
  • Panty Liners
  • Menstrual Cups
  • Period Underwear
  • Biodegradable Wipes
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Period Organizers
  • Heating Pads
  • Period Item Pouches

 

Public Health Fellowship Program, ASPPH/CDC

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. 

7 Podcasts that Epidemiologists Should Add to their Rotation

Category : PROspective

Originally published Fall 2024.

If you’re anything like me, you probably have a few go-to podcasts that you like to keep up with. Since starting at Rollins, I’ve been exploring new podcasts related to public health and epidemiology. They’ve been super helpful in staying informed about current events and happenings in the world of public health. So far, I have found 7 standouts that I definitely think every budding epidemiologist should give a listen to. I personally listen to all of these on Spotify, but they can be found pretty much wherever you get your podcasts.

  1. This Podcast Will Kill You – Exactly Right Media. TPWKY is hosted by Dr. Erin Welsh (PhD) and Dr. Erin Allmann Updyke (MD, PhD). They are both epidemiologists and disease ecologists who go over a different disease/medical mystery in each episode. So far, they have explored both chronic and infectious diseases from alpha-gal syndrome to Parkinson’s to hand foot mouth disease. As of today, there are 155 episodes with new ones being released weekly. As an added bonus, every episode features a “quarantini” cocktail recipe and a non-alcoholic “placeborita” recipe. 
  2. Public Health Epidemiology Conversations – Dr. CH Huntley, Epidemiologist. This podcast is my go-to for career advice and resources. Dr. Huntley (PhD) covers topics like networking, health equity, and choosing career paths in public health. Dr. Huntley frequently invites guests from all areas of public health onto the podcast, giving them a platform to share fresh perspectives on the topic at hand. Episodes are often shorter than the typical podcast (10-30 minutes long), making the podcast perfect for busy MPH students looking to get a jump on their careers.
  3. Patient Zero – New Hampshire Public Radio. This limited-series podcast hosted by Taylor Quimby dives deep into the Lyme disease epidemic across 7 episodes. Patient Zero took me be surprise, as I was not particularly interested in Lyme disease prior to listening. However, the episodes were very engaging and I feel much more informed about the epidemic after listening. I would definitely recommend giving it a try!
  4. America Dissected – Incision Media LLC. On America Dissected, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed (MD, DPhil) explores a wide variety of topics that influence our health, including racism, corporate capitalism, and so-called “wellness” influencers. Dr. El-Sayed reminds us that public health is a holistic topic impacted by almost all facets of society, and I have enjoyed the way that he investigates the context of these connections. As someone interested in infectious disease epidemiology, I have found that America Dissected has kept me thinking about issues public health beyond just infectious disease.
  5. The Cost of Care – Lemonade Media. This is another limited-series podcast that every epidemiologist should tune into. Hosted by health economist David Smith, the Cost of Care teaches the listener about the healthcare system in America and explores some potential solutions to fix some of the issues that exists within it. Despite having no background in economics, I found this podcast very palatable, so don’t let Smith’s background deter you from giving it a try!
  6. Everything is Public Health – MJ and Cass. Similarly to America Dissected, this podcast dives into the ways that various systems in society are related to public health. The hosts have explored topics that I had never  considered through a public health lens, and I definitely feel like I have become a more well-rounded student since I have started listening. Episodes are relatively short at around 25 minutes each, so I would definitely recommend squeezing them into your weekly routine!
  7. Truthers: Tiffany Dover is Dead – NBC News. This limited-series podcast explores the bizarre conspiracy theory that nurse Tiffany Dover was replaced by a body double after receiving the COVID-19 vaccination in December 2020. Host Brandy Zadrozny, who is a reporter, does a great job in breaking down the origins of the conspiracy and how it played a role in the frenzy of vaccine related misinformation that was all to prevalent in the early days of the rollout. I remember hearing about this conspiracy in real time, so I enjoyed having it unpacked in its entirety. 

Happy listening!

Spring Copyright and ETD Workshops, Emory Libraries

Category : News/Events

The Copyright and Scholarly Communications Librarian at Emory Libraries is offering workshops on copyright for theses and dissertations in advance of spring submission deadlines.

The sessions will take place on:

Convos on Tap, Rollins School of Public Health

Category : News/Events

What: Convos on Tap aims to connect the Rollins community via food, drinks, and interactive activities. This year, the theme will be based on the holiday of Mardi Gras and will feature activities to enrich cultural awareness including live jazz.

Who: All RSPH Students are welcome.

When:  Thursday February 12th from 4 pm to 7pm near Dancing Goats

Beyond the First Five Panel, Atlanta Young Alumni Network

Category : News/Events

Join the Atlanta Young Alumni Network for an impactful and informative panel on life beyond the first five years after graduation. Panelists will reflect on career pivots, failures, and wins—what they wish they knew after graduation. Attendees will hear from experienced professionals across various fields, including Public Health, Education, Business and Law. There will be light refreshments and plenty of opportunities to connect and discuss with fellow alumni.

When: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM | Miller-Ward Alumni House 

For more information and registration instructions, visit the event post linked here.

Emory Green Networking Night, Rollins School of Public Health

Category : Alumni News/Events

In need of career, academic, or general life advice and guidance? Look no further! Emory’s 18th Annual Green Networking Night features an informal networking opportunity with 60+ alumni and colleagues working in green careers who are ready to connect with you. On February 12th, Green Networking Night will return as an in-person event at Margaret H. Rollins Room in Emory Rollins School of Public Health. Delicious hors d’oeuvres will be served.

This Emory tradition helps to introduce Emory students from many majors and disciplines to alumni, professionals and community partners who work to advance environmental stewardship and sustainability. Registration is requested. 

EMORY’s 18th ANNUAL GREEN NETWORKING NIGHT    

  • Time/Location Information:
  • DATE: Thursday, February 12, 2026
  • TIME: 6 – 8 PM
  • LOCATION: Margaret H. Rollins Room in Emory Rollins School of Public Health (details to be provided to registered attendees)    
  • EVENT FORMAT: A mixer with a casual atmosphere where you can mingle with alumni and professionals and enjoy sustainable, locally sourced snacks! We encourage you to bring your own water bottles and utensils. Suggested dress is business casual.    
  • WHO WILL I MEET? 
    • Emory undergraduate, graduate students, and Emory alumni from the liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional students in law, public health, medicine, nursing, and business.    
    • Professionals who serve in diverse roles across the green career spectrum.    
    • To help prepare students for the networking night, Career & Professional Development and Office of Sustainability Initiatives invite students to review the 2026 Green Networking Night tips here!

This series is made possible by event co-sponsors – Career & Professional Development | Pathways Center, the Office of Sustainability Initiatives, Emory Alumni Association, Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory Department of Environmental Sciences, and Goizueta Business and Society Institute. If you have any questions, please reach out to  cpd [at] emory [dot] edu or emorysustainability [at] emory [dot] edu.

Advancing Health Equity in Maternal Health Symposium, Medical College of Georgia

Category : News/Events

The 2nd Annual Medical College of Georgia Advancing Health Equity in Maternal Health Symposium is an educational, community-focused conference to be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the J. Harold Harrison, MD Education Commons, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA from 10 AM to 3 PM. The conference is dedicated to addressing maternal health disparities, health equity efforts, and community initiatives to improve maternal health outcomes in the CSRA, Georgia, and beyond. The Symposium will host several expert speaker sessions, including topics ranging from preeclampsia to public health approaches in maternal health, as well as community member booths, student poster presentations, networking, and more.

What: MCG Advancing Health Equity in Maternal Health Symposium

Where: J. Harold Harrison, MD Education Commons, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA.

When: Friday, 03/13/2026, 10 AM – 3 PM

Who: Clinicians, interprofessional healthcare providers, faculty, students & community members!

Interested students from undergraduate and graduate programs alike are invited to submit an abstract for poster presentation here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdIAjvugx8pPy0DgRYqMtu58g2wjOoUQWnyUP-47yAT-IhSvw/viewform

Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=a6yDh1vQkkK0g-ZfH9_ukR_FZoyjHZBCroV6qWdf49BUMjRVVTFZVTM4MVlLQlRSUk0xVUtLUDIyMC4u&route=shorturl

Conference Website: https://www.augusta.edu/mcg/mcg-symposiums/. 

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