#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Sashawn Lawrence

Meet Sashawn Lawrence! Sashawn is a second-year Epidemiology MPH candidate with broad research interests in maternal child health and applied epidemiology. She is specifically interested in maternal health and disparities, nutrition, and outbreak investigation. In this feature, we’ll learn more about Sashawn, her current projects, and her tips for prospective public health students. Read more below!

Tell us a little bit about your academic history/where you went to school.

I attained my undergraduate degree from The University of Florida. I majored in public health and minored in health disparities, however, when I started undergrad I aspired to be pharmacist.

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

I am currently a part of the Emory COVID-19 Outbreak Response Team. The experience has been pretty exciting because it has allowed me to experience what “boots on the ground” public health work is, which is different from what we are learning in the classroom but just as vital.

What is your favorite part about earning your MPH at Emory?

My favorite part is definitely the sense of community, collaboration, and care I feel from the faculty, staff, and my colleagues at Emory.

What advice do you have for 1st year MPH Students?

Try not to sweat the small stuff too much. Just continue showing up and you’ll find that things have a way of working out in your favor.

Do you have any tips for prospective public health students?

Don’t be afraid to tell your story in your personal statement.

How have you been spending your free time? 

In my spare time I listen to podcasts and watch youtube (lifestyle videos and documentaries). Recently I have been trying to get back into habit of reading books for leisure but that is still a work in progress.

If you currently live in Atlanta, what is one place that you would recommend people to visit?

If you love nature like I do, Sweetwater Creek State Park is a must. There’s a large area shallow enough with flat rocks where you can get in.

What are three fun facts that you want people to know about you?

1. I think that in my past life I was a nomad because traveling brings me such peace
2. I do not like eggs
3. I consider myself an ambivert

It was great getting to know you, Sashawn! See who we interview next Monday for another #WeAreEmoryEPI.

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Chenmua Yang

Meet Chenmua Yang! Chenmua is a second-year Global Epidemiology MPH candidate. He has research interests in global infectious disease epidemiology, improving vaccine equity and access, and promoting preventative health practices among displaced populations (refugees, immigrants, and migrants). In this feature, get to know more about Chenmua, his experience at Rollins, and his advice for first-year students!

Tell us a little bit about your academic history/where you went to school.

I went to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and completed my B.S. in Microbiology and a certificate in European Studies. I also had the opportunity to study abroad in Barcelona, Spain for a semester.

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

I recently wrapped up a project working with the Clarkston Community Health Center and the Refugee Women’s Network where I had the opportunity to lead a project to better understand how we can increase COVID-19 vaccine confidence among the refugee and immigrant communities residing in Clarkson, GA. The second is with my REAL position -the Vaccine Exemplars Project– led by Drs Matthew Freeman and Robert Bednarczyk to identify ‘why’ and ‘how’ exemplar countries achieved significant and improved vaccination coverage.

When applying, what were you looking for in a public health school, and what factors drove you towards Rollins? 

I was looking for a school that was committed to their students inside and outside of the classroom. I also chose Rollins because I got in touch with past MPH graduates who advocated to me how RSPH truly supports their students from varying life experiences and backgrounds.

Do you have any tips for prospective public health students? 

Reach out and ask questions to as many people as you can regarding the public health areas that you are interested in. Everyone here is very supportive and we want to help you as much as we can!

What is your favorite part about earning your MPH at Emory?

My classmates, as well as the staff and faculty members at Rollins are my favorite parts about Emory. Also, being an EPI 530 TA for my lab students is another experience that I’ve deeply enjoyed during my MPH.

What is your favorite class you have taken so far at Emory and why?

My favorite class is probably Introduction to GIS (INFO 530) because it’s not a required class that GLEPI/EPI students take, but it has a lot of real-world applicability and interesting concepts. Vaccine & Vaccine Preventable Diseases (GH571) is a close second and a course that I recommend to students who are interested in learning more about vaccines.

What advice do you have for 1st year MPH Students? 

It can feel like you have a lot of pressure to have everything planned out during your first semester, but it’s good to know you don’t have to. Somehow and someway, everything will work out.

How have you been spending your free time?

During my free time I like to cook and go running – although it is quite hilly in Atlanta. I also like to travel (pre-pandemic) and planning out my future travels has been a great way to de-stress. The itinerary is nothing too serious, but it’s a good way for me to decide where I want to go next.

If you currently live in Atlanta, what is one place that you would recommend people to visit?

The Freedom Park trail and everything else around that area is a nice way to spend a day outside.

What are three fun facts that you want people to know about you?

1. I am Hmong-American like Sunisa (Suni) Lee.
2. I am enjoy watching and listening to musicals.
3. I love eating spicy food- especially green papaya salad with mango sticky rice.

Thanks for talking with us, Chenmua! Tune in next week for another feature of #WeAreEmoryEPI.

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Maclane Abbott

In this week’s student spotlight, we are catching up with Maclane Abbott, an RSGA student representative for our department! Maclane is a first-year MPH candidate with research interests in infectious disease and reproductive health. In this feature, we’ll learn more about Maclane, why she chose Rollins, and plans for her new role as EPI rep. Read more below!

Tell us a little bit about your academic history/where you went to school.

I received my B.S in Public Health from Texas A&M University.

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

I was recently hired as a graduate research assistant for an exciting fertility study lead by Dr. Audrey Gaskins and Dr. Heather Hipp.

What advice do you have for people who may be interested in getting their MPH? 

Do it! Public health is such a broad field, and you can really find an area that fits your goals and makes you happy. The tools and skills an MPH provides will be great to have even if you end up leaving the field.

When applying, what were you looking for in a public health school, and what factors drove you towards Rollins?

I wanted an epidemiology program where I would have lots of chances for hands-on learning and community service. I initially looked into Rollins because of the proximity to the CDC, but eventually learned of all the amazing public health organizations in the community that I would have the opportunity to volunteer for or work with during my time here.

What is your favorite part about earning your MPH at Emory?

I’m really loving all the connections that I get to make with people. I’ve learned so much from a variety of new perspectives, which is helping me grow not only in my career, but in my life.

What are you looking forward to during your term as RSGA EPI student representative?

I’m really excited to meet everyone and get to know how we all decided to pursue epidemiology, as well as, explore ways to get the most out of our time at Rollins!  

What are some changes or cool ideas you are looking to bring to the department?

I love the idea of having some type of stress relief hour, possibly with furry four-legged friends. We used to do a similar thing in undergrad, and everyone loved it! Overall, I just want to help us bond as a department, as these relationships will be so important through our career in this field.  

How have you been spending your free time?

If I have free time I’m either reading, spending time with my new best friends (thanks Rollins!) or playing video games on my switch.

What are three fun facts that you want people to know about you?

1. I collect antique medical textbooks
2. Coffee is the way to my heart
3. I have a cat named Goose.

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Linzi Li

Meet Linzi Li! Linzi is a first-year doctoral student with interests in cardiovascular disease (CVD). She is specifically interested in improving risk prediction and prevention of atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease. In this feature, we learn more about Linzi, her current projects, and her experience as an international student. Read more below!

Tell us a little bit about your academic history/where you went to school.

I received my B.S. in Biological Sciences at Fudan University in Shanghai, China, and two master’s degrees at Emory University, one in Health Policy and Management and the other in Epidemiology.

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

I am working with my advisor, Dr. Alvaro Alonso, on a few exciting projects. The first project investigates the association between atrial fibrillation and the severity of coronary artery disease in the Emory Cardiovascular Biobank. In another project in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, we examine how serum magnesium is associated with the risk of major adverse cardiac events among atrial fibrillation patients.

When applying, what were you looking for in a public health school, and what factors drove you towards Rollins?

Well-matched research interest with advisor and resources of CVD research ranked top on my decision-making list. I am also looking for a community that takes action on DEI.

What is your favorite part about earning your PhD at Emory? 

I enjoy working with the brilliant people here a lot! Emory is where I feel I make progress every day–from different aspects of work and life.

If you are an international student, how has your experience at Rollins been? How has the department supported your success?

As an international student, the most appreciated experience at Rollins was feeling supported in studying, career development, and life.

What are three fun facts that you want people to know about you?

1. I just became a corgi’s mom! Her name is Harley. (Yes, she is a low-chassis motorcycle!)
2. I lost 10 pounds during the pandemic.
3. I had been playing piano accompaniment in the school’s chorus from high school to college.

We enjoyed getting to know you, Linzi! Stay tuned every Monday for another feature of #WeAreEmoryEPI.

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Dr. Anke Huels

Meet Dr. Anke Huels! Dr. Huels is an Assistant Professor in our Department of Epidemiology whose research focuses on the development of epidemiological methods and their direct application to environmental and genetic epidemiology.  Examples include the association between outdoor and indoor air pollution with human health, methods and applications for the detection of gene-environment (GxE) interactions, and current challenges in the analysis of DNA methylation data. Read more about Dr. Huels and advice she has for first-year MPH students below!

Tell us a little bit about your academic history/where you went to school.

I am originally from Germany, where I did my BSc, MSc and PhD in Biostatistics (TU Dortmund University). After that I completed a short postdoctoral fellowship in Epigenetics at the University of British Columbia (Vancouver, Canada), followed by a second postdoctoral fellowship in Genetic Epidemiology and Epigenetics in the Department of Human Genetics at Emory. In January 2020, I joined the faculty in the Department of Epidemiology as Assistant Professor.

How did you find the research that you are currently conducting? 

During my last year of undergraduate studies, I learned about an institute in Germany that focuses on the health effects of air pollution. I was very fascinated by this research and its importance for public health and started to work as research assistant at that institute during my masters. This first research experience as a masters student has really shaped my interest in air pollution research, which is still the umbrella topic for most of my research projects.

Are there any exciting manuscripts or projects that you are currently working on?

I have the pleasure working on so many different project with my amazing trainees, that I don’t even know where to start. Maybe the most fascinating project I’m currently working on is one in which we are measuring DNA methylation and metabolomics in brain tissue to understand the biological response to air pollution (it’s at a very early stage though, so not exciting results to share yet).

What is your favorite part about being at Emory? 

Definitely the amazing trainees! I love working with our amazing MPH and PhD students from Epidemiology, Environmental Health and Biostatistics! Having the opportunity to work with our wonderful trainees is inspiring and one of the best parts about being at Emory.

What advice do you have for MPH students?

Don’t be scared of reaching out to faculty! Please contact us, if you are interested in learning more about our research and are looking for thesis/APE/REAL opportunities. And don’t wait too long! I hate turning amazing students down, just because I don’t have any free slots left in late spring / early summer.

How have you been spending your free time? 

I love to go hiking, especially in fall and winter when the temperatures have dropped but it’s still mostly nice and sunny outside.

If you currently live in the Atlanta area, what is one place that you would recommend people to visit? 

Favorite hiking spots: Blood Mountain and Cloudland Canyon State Park (and Great Smoky Mountains of course)

What are three fun facts that you want your students to know about you?

1. I don’t understand anything about football or baseball and don’t even understand the rules (I’m German, so I grew up watching soccer).
2. I’m a first-generation college student and it took me a while to convince my dad that statistics is something worth studying.
3. I grew up on a small farm in rural Germany (East Frisia).

It was great getting to know you, Dr. Huels! Stay tuned every Monday to see who we feature next on #WeAreEmoryEPI.

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Mel Mengesha

Meet Mel Mengesha! Mel is a second-year Global Epidemiology MPH candidate with interests in maternal and child health. She is specifically interested in increasing access to antenatal and postnatal care in low and middle income countries and reducing Black maternal mortality in the United States. Learn more about Mel and what factors drove her to Rollins below!

Tell us a little bit about your academic history/where you went to school. 

I attended the George Washington University in Washington, DC where I studied international affairs with a concentration in global public health.

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

I work at CARE USA as an impact measurement and analysis intern. In this capacity, I primarily support data analysis and the production of data visualization dashboards for CARE’s technical, regional, and/or member office teams. I have also been involved with the development of evaluation tools for programs aiming to address gender based violence, sexual and reproductive health, and WASH in Northern Nigeria. For my thesis, I am focusing on factors that predict antimicrobial resistance of neonatal sepsis in Ethiopia. 

When applying, what were you looking for in a public health school, and what factors drove you towards Rollins?

When applying, I was looking for a program where I can combine global health and epidemiology. Only a handful of schools in the nation offer a degree in global EPI so that narrowed it down for me and the Maternal and Child Health certificate was the perfect add-on to ultimately provide me with training in all my areas of interest. Lastly, being in a city where I can pursue opportunities at leading public health organizations was important to me so all of that ultimately led me to Emory!

Do you have any other tips for prospective public health students?

Tip: Connect with current students and/or alumni of the programs you are interested in and ask them about their experiences.

What is your favorite part about earning your MPH at Emory? 

I love the connectedness and reputation of Emory around the Atlanta area. This has allowed me to take on a number of opportunities during my time at RSPH.

What is your favorite class you have taken so far at Emory and why? 

EPI 534 Statistical Programming! This class added two new statistical software to my toolkit. Though the concepts were new to me, it was taught in a manner that was easy to follow because Professor Nicole Luisi is AMAZING. I’ll be hanging onto my notes from that class for a long long time.

What advice do you have for 1st year MPH Students? 

Step outside of your comfort zone! As opportunities present themselves, give it a try even if it is something that does not directly align with your research interests. You might discover a new passion or interest!

How have you been spending your free time? 

I enjoy exploring new restaurants in and around the Atlanta area and spending time with friends. My favorite podcast right now is Natal!

What are three fun facts that you want people to know about you?

1. I was born and raised in Ethiopia and visited for the first time in 15 years just before the pandemic.
2. I’ve called Atlanta home for the past 17 years now.
3. Adele is one of my favorite artists EVER. One of my life’s goals is to see her live in concert!

If you currently live in Atlanta, what is one place that you would recommend people to visit? 

Breakfast at Barney’s is great place for brunch but prepare for SUPER long wait times. Visit Amicola Falls and Brasstown Bald in North Georgia!

It was great to get to know you, Mel! Stay tuned for another #WeAreEmoryEPI next Monday on The Confounder!

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Brady Bennett

Meet Brady Bennett! Brady is a second-year doctoral student interested in the intersection of infectious disease and social epidemiology. He is specifically interested in the socio-political and socio-demographic factors that place persons at higher risk of HIV infection and morbidity and mortality due to HIV. To learn more about Brady, his current projects, and what drove him to Rollins, continue reading below!

Tell us a little bit about your academic history/where you went to school. 

I completed my BS in Biochemistry at Berry College in Rome, GA (2010) followed by my MPH in Global Health and Epidemiology at Brown University in Providence, RI (2015).

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

I’m currently working on a very interesting project looking at disparities in PrEP uptake among women in the United States and another project researching SARS-CoV-2 vaccine uptake among veterans receiving care at the VA.

When applying, what were you looking for in a public health school, and what factors drove you towards Rollins?

When applying for doctoral programs I was really interested in schools that would couple faculty with experience and research in my area of interest with the requisite courses and reputation to help me meet my goals. Rollins has all of these – my advisors are top of their field and are incredible mentors; the courses are challenging but are teaching me the skills I need; and the school is now #4 in the nation and respected world-wide!

What advice do you have for prospective doctoral students?

Talk to potential advisors/faculty mentors as well as current students. The faculty can give you a good idea of how your research interests line up with theirs, the available data/resources, etc, and the students can give you an honest idea of the department culture, living in the institution’s city, etc.

What is your favorite part about earning your PhD at Emory? 

My cohort! They are some of the kindest, hardest working people I have ever met and I feel so fortunate to get to do my PhD alongside them!

What is your favorite class you have taken so far at Emory and why?

Spatial Epi (EPI 563) with Dr. Michael Kramer. First, he is just a fantastic professor, but the content was also super interesting. I’ve always loved the idea of “visualizing” public health, but that course taught me so much about how to do that, when it is important to, and how to incorporate it into my analyses.

How have you been spending your free time?

With the free time I have, I generally run, read, watch true crime shows with my wife, listen to podcasts, visit local coffee shops/breweries. 

If you currently live in Atlanta, what is one place that you would recommend people to visit?

I can’t pick one! I’d visit any of the local breweries if that’s your thing (personal favorite is Three Taverns), Perc Coffee, Brash Coffee, Refuge Coffee, Botanical Gardens, High Museum…too many to list!

What are three fun facts that you want people to know about you? 

1. I run way too much (I’ve run races from 400m (HS) – 50 miles (2014) and am completing my 5th marathon on 11/14!)
2. I once drove from Atlanta to Seattle living only on bagels and peanut butter
3. I’ve run on 4 different continents so far and hope to complete all 7 one day

Thanks for talking with us, Brady! The Confounder team is wishing everyone a great spring semester. Tune in next Monday for another feature of #WeAreEmoryEPI.

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Dr. Jodie Guest

Meet Dr. Jodie Guest! Dr. Guest is a Research Professor in our Department whose work focuses on inequities in access to care among those living with HIV, uptake of PrEP among women, and COVID-19 work. In this feature, we learn more about Dr. Guest, her current projects, and advice for first-year students. Read more below!

Tell us a little bit about your academic history/where you went to school.

I went to Baylor University for my undergrad degree (communication disorders) and concurrently received my paramedic degree from Texas A&M. I received my MPH and my doctorate from Emory University.

How did you find the research that you are currently conducting?

I began my career working on when and how to treat those living with HIV. I have always been drawn to stigmas associated with HIV and love working in this area now. My COVID-19 work has come out of the work I have down with the Outbreak Response Team since April 2020.

Are there any exciting manuscripts or projects that you are currently working on?

We just began partnering with Fair Count to provide vaccinations and vaccine conversations in communities with low vaccine uptake. It is incredible to work with this organization! I have a women’s PrEP grant under review and am excited about the potential there. I am also working on the 2022 COVID-19 Prevention Protocol for the Iditarod Race.

What is your favorite part about being at Emory?

The students.

What advice do you have for MPH students?

Do not worry about your thesis your first semester!

How have you been spending your free time? 

My days have been pretty long in the pandemic. I started walking/running every day to get outside and use that time to listen to books on tape.

If you currently live in the Atlanta area, what is one place that you would recommend people to visit?

Your Dekalb Farmer’s Market

What are three fun facts that you want your students to know about you?

1. EPI 530 was the class that made me fall in love with Epidemiology. It is so thrilling now to be able to teach that class.
2. I tell my dogs goodbye every time I leave the house.
3. I love to go to a local farmers market on Saturday morning and cook dinner for friends using only the ingredients I find at the market that day.

Thanks for talking with us, Dr. Guest. The Confounder team will be taking a break and will resume our regular schedule on January 10th. We are wishing everyone a good luck on their finals and a safe winter holiday!

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Maria Garcia Quesada

Meet Maria Garcia Quesada! Maria is a first-year PhD student with research interests in infectious disease epidemiology, vaccines, and their intersection with climate change, as well as water & sanitation issues. In this feature, Maria talks about her most recent projects, why she chose Rollins, and some fun facts about her. Read more below!

Tell us a little bit about your academic history/where you went to school.

I completed my BS in Public Health and Neuroscience at Tulane University and my MSPH in Global Disease Epidemiology and Control at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

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

I am wrapping up two projects I was working on at Johns Hopkins, one evaluating the global impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines and the other looking to understand the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 among children <5 years of age and their household members.

When applying, what were you looking for in a public health school, and what factors drove you towards Rollins? 

I was looking for a good research match in a place I would enjoy living. During the interview process I had the opportunity to speak with several faculty who are working on really exciting projects, as well as with several students who sold me on living in Atlanta. As an ID person, I was also attracted to the proximity to the CDC.

What is your favorite part about earning your PhD at Emory?

I’m only a couple of months in, but I’ve loved being back in classes, getting to know my cohort, and eating my way through Buford Highway.

What are three fun facts that you want people to know about you?

1. I am fluent in Spanish and French
2. I play capoeira (Afro-Brazilian martial art)
3. I will eat almost anything except olives.

Thanks for speaking with us, Maria! Stay tuned next Monday for another feature of #WeAreEmoryEPI!