Author Archives: Lillian

Student Spotlight: Pragati Prasad

Category : #WeAreEmoryEPI

Pragati Prasad, 2nd Year EPI MPH Student

I have been a Graduate Research Assistant for Dr. Samuel Jenness at the Rollins School of Public Health for the past year and a half. Working on the ART-Net study, I was in charge of the entire data management pipeline: managing emails from survey participants, merging survey data, missing data imputation, and creating derived variables.

At EmoryEPI, I’ve learned: There is always more than one way to do something. Because of this, it is vital to understand *why* we chose the approach we end up going with, as it informs how the data can be interpreted for every analysis afterwards.

My favorite part of my EmoryEPI experience: Being responsible for data that is currently used for various projects – and will continue to be – made me aware of how important it was to always provide high quality work.

A good and resourceful supervisor can show you how to manage yourself.

 

Recent Publication: Jenness SM, Weiss KM, Prasad P, Zlotorzynska M, Sanchez T. Bacterial STI screening rates by symptomatic status among men who have sex with men in the United States: A hierarchical Bayesian analysis. Sexually Transmitted Diseases. July 24, 2018.


Open Data Kit (ODK) 3 part training series, 3/27, 4/3 & 4/10

Category : News/Events

Rollins mHealth Collaboration is hosting a three-part ODK training series where you can learn to use ODK to collect, manage and use your data. The sessions are on Wednesday from 12-12:50pm in CNR 1055. Light snacks are provided.


Scientist, Biospecimen Management

Category : Alumni

At the American Cancer Society, saving lives is our mission. We achieve our mission by drawing on our humanity. Humanity made up of courage, determination, innovation, passion, empathy, and caring. These are the values that give us the advantage over cancer.

Our work is important. And so are the people doing it. The people who work at the American Cancer Society focus their diverse talents on our singular mission: to end the pain and suffering of cancer. It is a calling. And the people who answer it are fulfilled. We value our employees and nearly 2 million volunteers around the globe that have stood with us through the years, and we will not rest until the fight is won. And that day is drawing nearer.

**Final title of position is subject to candidate’s qualifications**

Obtains, manipulates, organizes, and manages biospecimen-related data from the American Cancer Society’s two large prospective cohort studies, Cancer Prevention Study-II (CPS-II) and Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3) within the Behavioral and Epidemiology Research Group (BERG). Serves as statistical analyst for biospecimen-based projects led by BERG doctoral staff and their external collaborators.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage data associated with the ongoing tissue acquisition in CPS-II and CPS-3 by (1) manipulating data from an Access database; (2) merging CPS-II and CPS-3 data from a variety of sources; and (3) importing data into a biospecimen tracking system to ensure tissue specimens are efficiently tracked according to standard operating procedures.

Maintain the CPS-II and CPS-3 biospecimen databases containing laboratory results (including genetic, tissue, biomarker, and metabolomics results) using various computer resources and statistical software. Document programs to facilitate record-keeping. This database provides the BERG with a resource for identifying and linking participants included in projects utilizing biospecimens.

Conduct statistical programming and data analysis for studies using the CPS-II and CPS-3 biospecimen resources. Communicating these results are the mission of the BERG- with the goal to increase the understanding of cancer causes as well as to reduce the cancer burden.

Position Requirements:

Master’s Degree in Epidemiology (MPH) or related field

Demonstrates Intramural Research competencies:

• Action-oriented
• Communicates effectively
• Drives results
• Manages complexity
• Builds networks
• Cultivates innovation.
• Optimizes work processes
• Manages ambiguity

Other Skills:

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to produce high quality work independently.

• Highly motivated with strong attention to detail and organization skills.

• Proficient in SAS and familiarity with R. Ability to learn additional programming languages as needed.

• Strong quantitative skills.

• Adept at obtaining, manipulating and processing electronic data.

• Skilled at utilizing an Access database.

• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and oral/written communication skills. Ability to communicate in a cross-functional environment- in particular, experience in communication with research study participants and medical facilities.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and efficiently.

• Experience with a LIMS (laboratory information management system) preferred.

• Experience in electronic data management

For more information and to apply, click HERE.

RACPAC Lunch & Learn, 3/26

Category : News/Events

 

Join the Rollins Association for Cancer Prevention and Control (RACPAC) for a lunch & learn with Dr. Stacey Fedewa on 3/26 at 12 pm.


CDC Incident Response Program Evaluation Fellowship

Category : Alumni

Description

A research opportunity is available with the Plans, Training, Exercise, and Evaluation Branch (PTEE), Division of Emergency Operations within the Center for Preparedness and Response (CPR) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Incident Manager Training and Development Program (IMTDP) is an agency-wide program that strengthens the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s response leadership capacity by preparing CDC leaders to lead in a public health emergency. As such, IMTDP trains a cadre of response leaders on an annual basis and will expand its curriculum to other critical response leader roles.

In an ongoing effort to monitor, evaluate, and improve role-specific curriculum, IMTDP collects and analyzes program and training evaluation data. Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant may have the opportunity to be involved in the management and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, interpreting this data, and the preparation of reports, presentations, and manuscripts.

This fellowship will offer the opportunity to learn about and obtain hands-on experience in the following activities:

  • Evaluate the effectiveness of education and training material and synthesize large amount of qualitative data to write summary reports with actionable recommendations.
  • Support IMTDP program evaluation efforts by revising/improving training evaluation framework to demonstrate business impact.
  • Improve methods and reporting measures of CDC Response Leader Capacity Analysis
  • Add to existing program evaluation efforts by developing, pilot testing, and implementing a program satisfaction survey(s). Analyze data from survey and communicate findings to multiple audiences.
  • Ability to collaborate with SME’s at a strategic level and drive the development of experiential training evaluation methods.
  • Support IMTDP with development of evidence-informed articles, presentations, and scientific publications.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields, with significant coursework in program evaluation and qualitative data analysis. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred skills:

  • Experience applying principles of program and training evaluation
  • Knowledge of how to manage and analyze large datasets using NViVo, SAS, SPSS and Access
  • Strong knowledge and expertise in translating qualitative data into actionable recommendations and decision-making
  • Experience in or knowledge of issues in public health preparedness and response
  • Strong scientific writing skills
  • Attention to detail with data analysis and interpretation
  • Strong proficiency with qualitative data analysis tools and Microsoft Office products (Word, PPT, Excel, Access)

For more information and to apply, click HERE.


CDC Incident Response Training Materials Fellowship

Category : Alumni

Description

A research opportunity is available with the Plans, Training, Exercise, and Evaluation Branch (PTEE), Division of Emergency Operations within the Center for Preparedness and Response (CPR) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Incident Manager Training and Development Program (IMTDP) is an agency-wide program that strengthens the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s response leadership capacity by preparing CDC leaders to lead in a public health emergency. As such, IMTDP trains a cadre of response leaders on an annual basis and will expand its curriculum to other critical response leader roles.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will assist in the design, development, vetting, and evaluation of education and learning material for role-specific training. This fellowship will offer the opportunity to learn about and obtain hands-on experience in the following activities:

  • Conduct content research as part of the curriculum development process. Review and analyze relevant data and communicate findings to multiple audiences, including senior leadership.
  • Design and develop curriculum in collaboration with subject matter experts (SMEs). Develop and tailor existing IMTDP learning products (e.g., case study, presentation slides, applied learning activities, handouts, worksheets).
  • Identify user needs, analyze and logically organize technical information, and transform complex bodies of information into professionally designed, engaging, and effective educational material.
  • Analyze content, job tasks, and learning environment to identify appropriate instructional strategies and define learning objectives
  • Ability to collaborate with SME’s at a high and strategic level and drive the development of experiential training methods.
  • Guide and evaluate the effectiveness of education and training material, Synthesize large amount of qualitative data to write summary reports with actionable recommendations.
  • Support IMTDP with development of articles, presentations, and scientific publications.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a master’s or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred skills:

  • Experience applying adult learning theory to develop education and learning materials is strongly preferred
  • Experience in or knowledge of issues in public health preparedness and response
  • Strong oral and written communication to various audiences
  • Ability to synthesize information into key messages
  • Literature review experience
  • Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, PPT, Excel)

For more information and to apply, click HERE.


Introduction to Literature Review Workshop, 4/8

Delta Omega is sponsoring a literature review workshop on Monday, April 8th from 12:00-12:50pm.  Please RSVP if you plan to attend.


RISE Mini Grant Program

Are you interested in receiving funds for research or conference travel or dissemination/ training? Apply to the RISE Mini-Grant Program for financial support for research and training opportunities.


Scientist Surveillance Research, American Cancer Society

Category : Alumni

At the American Cancer Society, saving lives is our mission. We achieve our mission by drawing on our humanity. Humanity made up of courage, determination, innovation, passion, empathy, and caring. These are the values that give us the advantage over cancer.

Our work is important. And so are the people doing it. The people who work at the American Cancer Society focus their diverse talents on our singular mission: to end the pain and suffering of cancer. It is a calling. And the people who answer it are fulfilled. We value our employees and nearly 2 million volunteers around the globe that have stood with us through the years, and we will not rest until the fight is won. And that day is drawing nearer.

**Final title of position is subject to candidate’s qualifications**

Masters level epidemiologist or biostatistician to provide technical support to Scientific Director in the areas of surveillance research and other senior staff members in the SHSR program. This work provides an exceptional opportunity for a highly motivated candidate to gain broad experience in national and international cancer surveillance research.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Document analytic programs and results in an organized, dated, and clearly labeled form for future reference.

• Assist with Facts & Figures publications.

• Engage as an active collaborator in the development of research protocols including literature reviews, development of database, conducting analyses, and writing manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed journals.

• Respond to surveillance services research related inquiries from other components of ACS, the public and the media.

• Develop in-depth understanding of uses and limitations of databases commonly used in surveillance research, including SEER, NPCR, CiNA, CIV, GLOBOCAN, NHIS, BRFSS, NHNES, BRFSS, and others.

• Develop proficiency in relevant software including SEER*STAT, APC Analysis Web Tool, Joinpoint, and SAS.

• Prepare tables and figures for scientific presentations using Excel, PowerPoint, and Origin.

• Proofread reports for publication and presentation at professional meetings.

• Encouraged to participate in peer-reviewed publications and to conduct self-initiated research projects.

• Candidate must have a close attention to detail and must be able to work well both independently and in teams.

SKILLS:

• Interest in descriptive epidemiology and surveillance research.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and excellent organizational and communication skills.

• Knowledge of statistical methodology and software, including SEER*STAT, APC Model, Joinpoint model, and SAS, SUDAAN.

• Knowledge of tumor registry operations, surveillance research, SEER, NCDB, NAACCR, CIV, and other sources of data for research on cancer surveillance preferred. Knowledge and familiarity with epidemiology of cancer is highly desirable.

For more information and to apply, click HERE


Data Analyst/ Research Fellow, apply by 3/29

Category : Alumni GLEPI

Duties and Responsibilities
We are looking to appoint a motivated researcher with strong quantitative analysis skills to join the next phase of the Lancet Countdown: Tracking Progress on Health and Climate Change. The appointee will join the Executive of the Lancet Countdown, an independent, international and multi-disciplinary research collaboration based out of the Institute for Global Health, University College London. The collaboration brings together 27 academic and UN Institutions from every continent, tracking the world’s response to climate change and the health implications of action and inaction.

Following a successful first phase from 2016 to 2018, the collaboration is about to commence a new and expanding second phase, from 2019 to 2023, in the first instance.

The successful candidate will join the Lancet Countdown in central London, working with the collaboration’s co-chairs: Professor Anthony Costello, Peng Gong, Hugh Montgomery and its Executive Director, Dr Nick Watts.

The post-holder will be responsible for providing analytical support to the collaboration’s key academic outputs (including its annual indicator report and national case studies); working with its academic experts to develop and implement a long-term programme of improving the data and methods available for these outputs; and conducting novel analysis on the links between health and climate change to further support the Lancet Countdown’s communications outreach and policy engagement work.

The post is available immediately to 31 July 2023, in the first instance.
Key Requirements
A PhD with experience in quantitative analysis and methods, related to public health, climate change, environmental sciences, or any other relevant field, or with substantial equivalent skills and experience.
Experience including: providing quantitative analytical support and expertise across the broad array of sector methodologies; managing and maintaining large databases to support the development of indicators or metrics; working in an academic environment, including the development and drafting of academic research papers.

The candidate will also have strong familiarity with a variety of quantitative methods used in public health and / or environmental sciences.

Excellent communication spoken and written English, with the ability to draft and edit academic manuscripts for publication.

Strong technical knowledge of a variety of quantitative methodologies and software packages.

A willingness to travel and to participate in conference calls outside of normal working hours with other time zones.

For more information and to apply, click HERE.


Upcoming Events

  • Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Seminar November 14, 2024 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Seminar Series Event Type: Seminar SeriesSpeaker: Brian J Reich, PhDContact Name: Mary AbosiContact Email: mabosi@emory.eduRoom Location: CNR PLAZA - Rollins AuditoriumTitle: Spatial Confounding and Preferential Sampling
  • GCDTR Presents: Dr. Linelle Blais November 18, 2024 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Guest Lecture; tinyurl.com… Online Location: https://tinyurl.com/LinelleBlaisEvent Type: Guest LectureSeries: GCDTR SeminarsSpeaker: Dr. Linelle BlaisContact Name: Wendy GillContact Email: wggill@emory.eduRoom Location: RRR_R809Link: https://tinyurl.com/LinelleBlaisGCDTR Seminar Presents: The Diabetes MATCH Initiative: Mobilizing Access Through Capacity Building & Health Equity
  • Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Seminar November 21, 2024 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Seminar Series Event Type: Seminar SeriesSpeaker: George Tseng, PhDContact Name: Mary AbosiContact Email: mabosi@emory.eduRoom Location: CNR PLAZA - Rollins AuditoriumTitle: Multi-faceted and outcome-guided cluster analysis for disease subtyping of omics data

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