Author Archives: Chloe Wolma

Spring Applied Practice Experience, Hubert Department of Global Health

Are you an Epi or GLEPI student looking for an APE? Want to use your quantitative analysis skills? Interested in intimate partner violence/homicide? If you answered yes to all these questions you may be interested in working with Dr. Dabney Evans (HDGH) on a Spring Applied Practice Experience. During this APE you will have the opportunity to conduct secondary quantitative analysis of data from the National Violent Death Reporting System. This secondary analysis will be descriptive in nature including bivariate analysis and some stratification. You will also have the opportunity to join as co-author on a publication using these data.  If interested, please send a cover letter and your CV to dabney [dot] evans [at] emory [dot] edu.   

   


Fellowship, Ferguson RISE

Ready to elevate your career and gain funded experience in public health?

Fellowship Benefits:

  • Funded 3, 6, or 12-month research opportunities in infectious diseases and health disparities research
  • Develop research skills through mentored hands-on experience
  • Advance health equity, address disparities, reduce infectious diseases
  • Personalized career mentoring, stipend, funds to present at conferences and publish.
  • Can count for APE or Practicum

Research sites:

  • Atlanta (CDC, Morehouse, RSPH)
  • Baltimore (Johns Hopkins)
  • New York (The City University of New York [CUNY])
  • Washington DC (Howard University College of Medicine)

Eligibility:

  • Current or recently graduate students in a health discipline or social science (e.g., MD, MS, MPH, PhD, etc.,)
  • US citizen/national, permanent resident

Fellowship Application Deadlines:

  • 6 month – December 2, 2024
  • Summer & 12 month – January 31, 2025

Visit the Ferguson RISE website for more information and application instructions.

Note that:

  •  For 1st years, this can serve as an APE.
  • For 2nd years, this can provide support and additional training and experience over the summer or beyond, as you seek other opportunities.
  • For recent grads (MPH/PhD), within one year of the start of the Ferguson RISE Fellowship, this can strengthen your skillsets for your career through a 6- or 12-month fellowship.

Community Health Assessment Intern, Emory Healthcare

Job Title: Community Health Assessment Intern 

Location: Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA 

Duration: Spring Semester 2025 

Overview: Emory Healthcare is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Community Health Assessment Intern to assist with the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to public health initiatives and gain hands-on experience in health data analysis and community health research. 

Key Responsibilities

  • Data Research and Compilation: Gather and analyze health status data for defined market areas surrounding each of Emory Healthcare’s ten hospitals. 
  • Public Health Data Sources: Utilize various public health data sources and databases to extract relevant information.
  • Data Visualization: Assist in creating visual representations of data findings to effectively communicate insights and trends. 
  • Collaboration: Work closely with the CHNA team to support the overall assessment process, including preparing reports and presentations. 
  • Community Engagement: Participate in community outreach efforts to gather qualitative data and insights from local populations. 

Qualifications

  • Education: Currently pursuing a degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Sciences, or a related field. 
  • Knowledge: Familiarity with public health data sources (e.g., CDC, state health departments) and database tools (e.g., Excel, SQL). 
  • Skills: Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and visualize data effectively. 
  • Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present findings clearly. 
  • Team Player: Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment. 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI). 
  • Previous internship or volunteer experience in public health or community health assessment. 

For more information and application instructions, visit the job posting on 12Twenty.


GRA – Spanish Bilingual for MIC-DROP Study, Rollins School of Public Health

MIC-DROP is a CDC-funded study which aims to enroll a prospective cohort of 1,275 MSM in Atlanta, Chicago and San Diego to understand men’s strategies to prevent HIV/STIs. Through a combination of Qualitative and Quantitative surveys, the study will evaluate current trends in characteristics of MSM at risk of acquiring HIV, assess behaviors and preferences for using PrEP products, conduct development and testing of prevention messages, and characterize typologies of current and potential PrEP users with identification of prevention protection gaps. Specifically, evaluations will entail men’s use and preferences for prevention modalities, awareness, knowledge, beliefs and perceptions of HIV/STI prevention products, as well as provide structured assessments of prevention messages to develop effective messaging to close identified prevention protection gaps in behavior. Survey data will be used to develop quarterly rapid data reports that will allow for summary and recommendations concerning prevention protection gaps among MSM; development, testing, and iterative revisions of prevention messages; and to provide timely new information to public health programs and decision makers.

This position is eligible for REAL award in Spring 2025. This position will start in early January 2025. The position is primarily remote but may require in-person study activities occasionally.

For more information and application instructions, visit the job posting on 12Twenty.


CDC Biostatistics, Statistics, Mathematical Statistics for Respiratory Virus Epidemiology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/ORISE

Category : Alumni

CDC’s Coronavirus and Other Respiratory Viruses Division (CORVD) in the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) is dedicated to development and advancement of biomedical research to “improve the health of people by preventing illness, disability, and death from respiratory viruses induced diseases through public health science and practice in the United States and globally”. The Biostatistics, Economics and Modeling (BEaM) Unit, works with epidemiologists and laboratory scientists in the Division’s four branches to adapt existing analytical methodology and develop new techniques for statistical analysis.

Research Project: The fellow will train with BEaM’s statisticians, economists, and modelers and collaborate with the branches in the Division in the area of study design and statistical analysis. The fellow will train in Mathematical Statistics, mentored by senior statisticians in BEaM and will collaborate with epidemiologists and laboratory scientists in CORVD’s four branches. The fellow will learn to apply Bayesian and frequentist analytical techniques, including conditional autoregressive random effects models and probabilistic multiplier models to estimate the burden of COVID-19, RSV, and other respiratory viruses in the United States. This will include collaborating with informatics specialists to automate processes. Various statistical methodologies, adapted from existing and newly developed methods, will be applied to explore the epidemiology and biological science of respiratory viruses, including examining and improving the understanding of viral interference between respiratory viruses. In addition to providing statistical analysis and modeling support, the fellow will gain hands-on experience in the areas of study design, data visualization, and the use of statistical software, as well as authoring and coauthoring publications.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Gordana Derado (uwx8 [at] cdc [dot] gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: January 6, 2025  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of CDC and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Preferred skills:

  • Strong background in statistics/biostatistics, including Bayesian statistics.
  • Basic understanding of epidemiological methods 
  • Experience with data visualization techniques and statistical methods used for analysis of high-dimensional data
  • Programming skills to conduct statistical analysis e.g., in R, SAS, Python, Stata, Matlab, or other computational software.
  • Familiarity with PowerBI or similar data visualization tools

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Master’s Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Engineering 
    • Mathematics and Statistics 
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences 

Applications due December 6th, 2o24 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For more information and application instructions, please visit the job posting on 12Twenty


Fuel Up for Finals, PASE

Category : News/Events

Join the Professional Advancement and Student Experience Team for our semester event, Fuel Up for Finals! Take a break and stop by the PASe table, located in the RRR Connector to make a finals snack pack. Snacks will be provided while supplies last.

The event will take place from from 12:00-1:00pm on Thursday, December 5th. For more information, visit the posting on 12Twenty.


Epidemiologist 2, DeKalb Public Health

Category : Alumni

DeKalb Public Health (DKPH) is hiring an Epidemiologist to be based at Richardson Health Center in North Decatur. 

Job responsibilities:

Under supervision, plans, develops, and conducts epidemiologic investigations, surveillance and interventions limited in scope and/or complexity to determine the causes of diseases and implement methods of disease control. Collects, analyzes, and interprets statistical data and prepares epidemiologic reports. Assists with planning and conducting investigations of diseases. Performs formal case control and cohort studies of complex health issues. Provides related consultation to departmental staff and others. Designs, implements, and maintains disease surveillance. Collects, analyzes, and interprets statistical data and prepares reports. Provides training, technical assistance, and consultative services regarding epidemiology and the control of diseases. Serves as a point of contact for various personnel regarding moderately complex epidemiologic issues. Performs various duties in support of section operations. Develop policies and procedures for new and existing disease control programs.

Applications are due December 6th, 2024. For more information and application instructions, visit the job posting linked here.


7 Podcasts that Epidemiologists Should Add to their Rotation

Category : PROspective

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!


Public Health Compliance Analyst, Guidehouse

Category : Alumni

Guidehouse is hiring a compliance analyst be based in the DC area. Analysts will assist in applying common best practices in performing monitoring and auditing activities for various Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) models/programs.

Specific responsibilities include:

  • Participate in and/or lead meetings, identify areas of improvements, determine audit or monitoring requirements and support audit or monitoring activities as needed.
  • Work closely with CMS model leads and project team to review participation agreements, document, update, and provide responses to model participants’ inquiries.
  • Develop or assist with development of various written reports or project documents.
  • Develop or assist with development of Standard Operating Procedures or Plans.
  • Gather, review, and update existing and/or new requirements, specifications, business processes, make recommendations as needed and lead or assist with implementation of those requirements.
  • Participate in the design, development, analysis, implementation/monitoring of system requirements and user testing, as needed.
  • Conduct or assist with qualitative and quantitative analysis, environmental scans to support the various CMS models monitoring needs.
  • Work with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and other stakeholders to gather business processes, business requirements, identify and mitigate gaps and coordinate Change Request process as needed.
  • Develop, update, and maintain excel trackers; use power queries to help support automation; apply business analytics skills to support the project as needed.

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


    Public Health Laboratory Innovation Website Intern, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – ORR

    The Office of Science and Laboratory Readiness funds projects within CDC and with external public health partners to develop new innovative public health readiness and response capabilities. The team is developing a web site that external partners and potential partners can access to learn about the program, including current projects, past success stories, and information on opportunities for collaboration. 

    The student will work with the program senior scientific advisors to develop content for an interactive, externally-facing website to help promote collaborations between the Office of Science and Laboratory Readiness and cross-sectoral public health partners.

    Applications are due on December 18th, 2024. This position is open to REAL students. 

    For more information and application instructions, visit the job posting on 12Twenty


    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.

    Follow Us on Social Media: