#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Paige Gugerty

Meet Paige Gugerty! Paige is a second-year Epidemiology MPH candidate interested in the intersection of substance use and infectious disease epidemiology, as well as outbreak investigation and response. To learn more about Paige, her current projects with the CDC, and why she chose Rollins, continue reading below!

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

I graduated from the University of Delaware with a B.S. in Organizational and Community Leadership and a minor in Public Health. It was there that I first became interested in public health as a research assistant looking at health disparities and the social determinants of health with Dr. Erin Knight.

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

Earlier this semester, I wrapped up leading a team of contact tracers and case investigators in the Northwest Health District at the Georgia Department of Public Health. I am gearing up to go back to work with my group in the CDC’s Division of HIV Prevention on REAL – we typically work on guidelines related to HIV testing. I am also currently writing my thesis on syringe services programs in Appalachia Kentucky with Dr. Hannah Cooper.

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

I had a really hard time choosing between Rollins and another MPH program in the Northeast but I am so happy that I ultimately came to Rollins. I chose Rollins for the traditional MPH program format, rigorous academics, warm and collegial atmosphere, setting in Atlanta, and proximity to CDC.

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

Where do I begin? The people, the culture and collegiality, the courses and projects, and the connections to CDC are the things that stand out most for me.

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

I’ve really enjoyed Case Studies in Infectious Disease EPI (EPI 517), Introduction to GIS (INFO 530), and am currently taking EPI of Foodborne and Diarrheal Disease (EPI 544) which I also recommend.

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

I wish I had taken a few more hard skills-based courses my first year, so definitely look into that if you are interested in taking some of the advanced electives in the future.

How have you been spending your free time?

I like to walk on the Beltline and explore nearby parks, as well as workout at the gym when I can. I enjoy listening to podcasts (i.e. The Daily, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Shiny Epi People, This Podcast Will Kill You, MMWR History, etc.) in the background and highly recommend Dopesick on Hulu, which examines the opioid epidemic from many different angles and is based on the book by Beth Macy.

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

1. I love spending time with my cat, Winnie, especially when I am studying or working from home.
2. I did a lot of backpacking and hiking during high school and college, including treks in the Sierra Nevada, Adirondacks, parts of the Appalachian Trail, and the Kepler Track in New Zealand.
3. I started the MPH program in 2019, took a gap year last year to work at DPH, and now that I am back, am still trying to meet folks as most of my friends from RSPH have either graduated or are 1st year PhD students.

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

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Dr. Liz Rogawski McQuade

Meet Dr. Liz Rogawski McQuade! Dr. Rogawski McQuade is an Assistant Professor in our Department of Epidemiology with research interests in pediatric enteric disease in low-resource settings. In this feature, she talks about her research, advice for MPH students, and some fun facts about her. Read more below.

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

I went to Emory for my undergraduate degree with majors in Biology and Chemistry. I received an MSPH and PhD in Epidemiology from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in infectious disease epidemiology at the University of Virginia.

What are your primary research interests?

My research interests are in pediatric enteric disease in low-resource settings. Specifically, I focus on the complex interactions between early childhood diarrhea, enteric infections, environmental enteropathy, antibiotic use, and their effects on child health and development. I am also interested in better understanding the impact of vaccines and other interventions for enteric diseases and apply causal inference-based methods to generate epidemiologic evidence that is relevant to public health interventions.

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

My current work has grown out of strong collaborations with colleagues at international institutions including the Haydom Global Health Research Centre in Haydom, Tanzania and icddr,b in Dhaka, Bangladesh, as well as through collaborations with research consortia conducting large multisite studies of enteric disease. My current research builds on previous work to characterize the foundational epidemiology of enteric infections to focus on environmental and vaccine interventions in low-resource settings.

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

I am very excited to launch two upcoming field studies that I am a co-investigator on: Enterics for Global Health (EFGH) which aims to estimate the incidence and consequences of shigellosis among children in low-resource settings in preparation for Shigella vaccine trials, and the Shigella and Campylobacter Transmission (SCAT) study which aims to understand the sources and routes of transmission of these two pathogens in Haydom and Dhaka using molecular diagnostics and a systems-dynamic modeling approach.

What is your favorite part about being at Emory?

I love being surrounded by incredibly bright and diverse epidemiologists (including students!) who challenge me to do better research, use more innovative methods, and make a larger impact.

What advice do you have for MPH students?

Public health is an incredibly diverse field, but many of the methods and tools used in epidemiology are broadly applicable across topic areas. I suggest that students focus on honing their methodological skills, which will serve them well in whatever specific field they choose or direction their career goes.

How have you been spending your free time?

Playing with my 15 month old son, Simon!

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

We just moved to Decatur, but are loving Hawk Hollow, a tiny gem of a park near our house.

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

I am a huge tea drinker and my husband owns a small tea company, so I have a steady supply. I love hiking and being outdoors, reading, and yoga.

Thank you for talking with us, Dr. Rogawski McQuade! We hope everyone has a fun and safe break this week. Tune in next Monday for another feature of #WeAreEmoryEPI. 

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Nafis Khan

Meet Nafis Khan! Nafis is a second-year Epidemiology MPH candidate interested in Maternal and Child Health and chronic health surveillance. In this feature, Nafis talks about his project with the CDC, his favorite class at Rollins, and a must-see hiking spot! Read more below.  

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

I graduated from undergrad in 2018 with a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Penn State University.

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

I am currently working on a project to modernize data visualization for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Early Hearing Detection and Intervention team. I like this project because I get to use my creative side to help communicate research findings in an easily digestible and visually appealing way.

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

Faculty that was participating in interesting research that I would be able to involve myself in. Given Emory’s proximity to so many public health institutions, it wasn’t a hard decision.

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

You don’t have to know what you want to do after you graduate but meeting people and asking questions definitely helps.

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

The strong connection among the student body and with the professors. Starting school in a pandemic would have been way more difficult if not for all of the people I have met while at Emory.

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

One of the more interesting electives I have taken was INFO 530. It is a GIS class that is only a half semester. It is not too long but the subject matter is really interesting and applicable to many public health studies.

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

Get to know your professors and classmates beyond the classroom. It helps to build relationships beyond work.

How have you been navigating the work (& learn) from home experience during the COVID-19 outbreak?

I normally try to break my day up so I’m not staring at a screen 24/7. Getting outside for some fresh air and trying to eat a bit healthier has been a great help.

How have you been spending your free time?

I normally like to spend my time cooking, eating, or being outdoors. I like to be active but I also like to not be hungry.

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

If you like hiking, Arabia Mountain is close to Atlanta and a very cool place.

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

1. That I don’t have many fun facts.
2. I’m really good at whistling.
3. *Please see #1.

Thanks for talking with us, Nafis! Stay tuned next Monday to see who we feature next on #WeAreEmoryEPI.

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Lisa Chung

Meet Lisa Chung! Lisa Chung is a first-year PhD student interested in studying the intersection of infectious diseases and social epidemiology, particularly on health disparities in ID prevention by vaccination. In this feature, we talk about Lisa’s current project, what drove her to Rollins, and an audiobook she is currently listening to! Read more below. 

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

I received BS in Physiology from Seattle Pacific University and MPH in Epidemiology from Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University.

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

I’m working with Dr. Cecile Janssens on her book project collecting additional supporting references. But, mostly, I’m focusing on building a healthy & long-term routine/habit this semester before starting any other projects and prioritizing mental health!

What advice do you have for prospective doctoral students?

Do your research and connect with potential advisors *and* current PhD students before applying!

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

Research interest and compatibility with a potential advisor is an important factor that had a huge weight on my decision making process. But, another that was very important to me was being in a collaborative, collegial, and supportive environment with faculty, staff, and other students.

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

More than half of my time during MPH was virtual at Emory. So, it’s been so great being able to meet faculty, staff, and other students in-person albeit nervously at first being in a room full of other people. I’m thankful that we get to safely learn from the same physical space!

How have you been spending your free time?

I’ve been going on long walks with my dog, Atticus, and listening to audiobooks. Summer in between programs was a great time catching up on reading (by listening). I’m currently listening to Hood Feminism and would strongly recommend it.

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

I love visiting art museums in new cities, so High Art Museum was one of the first places I visited when I moved here. They have an amazing collection and have monthly events that I’m hoping to go at some point (when safe)!

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

1. I have too many (or is there such?) photos of my dog sleeping on my phone.
2. I’m cooking my way through a cookbook, cover-to-cover! It’s my pandemic hobby, trying to cook dishes that I don’t get to eat out anymore.
3. I have an irrational fear of taking the pit out of an avocado.

It was great getting to know you, Lisa! Tune in every Monday for a new feature on #WeAreEmoryEPI. 

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Gordon Le

Meet Gordon Le! Gordon is a second-year Epidemiology MPH candidate with interests in childhood adversity, trauma, and injury and violence prevention. He also has interests in social determinants of health and spatial epidemiology. Read more about Gordon and his experience at Rollins below!

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

I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychological Science in 2016 at University of California, Irvine.

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

Yes! I am currently working with Dr. Jonathan Rupp, Dr. Tim Moran, and the team at the Injury Prevention Research Center at Emory on a project that aims to prevent adverse childhood experiences in Georgia. The project is being done in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Public Health and assists advancing the state’s Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Plan. I’ve played a primary role in creating the project’s web-based surveillance mapping tool, which intends to help organizations and stakeholders identify data that can be targeted for prevention and intervention in their local communities.

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

I’ve really enjoyed the collaborative environment that Emory fosters.

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

I would say don’t be afraid to talk to faculty members about your interests and whether there are opportunities to work with them. The best advice I ever received was, “The worst thing someone can say to you is ‘No’.”

How have you been spending your free time? 

Tennis – lots of tennis. I play in an intramural league and have loads of fun. We missed the playoffs last season but I am ready for redemption this year!

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

1. I’m originally from San Jose, California
2. I am fluent in Vietnamese
3. I lived in Ann Arbor, Michigan for 3 years prior to coming to Georgia.

Thanks for taking the time to talk with us, Gordon! Stay tuned next Monday to see who we feature next on #WeAreEmoryEPI. 

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Sahil Jiwani

Meet Sahil Jiwani! Sahil is a second-year Epidemiology MPH candidate with interests in infectious diseases and genetic and molecular epidemiology. In this feature, Sahil talks about his current projects, advice for first-years, and his favorite coffee shops in Atlanta. Read more below!

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

I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in May 2020 with a degree in Public Health and a minor in Business.

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

I am currently working on a project under Dr. Julie Gazmararian and a team at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) looking at trends in COVID-19 infection rates at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) based on their respective COVID-19 return to campus policies. I am also going to be starting a position with the School of Medicine where I will be performing data analyses on clinical trial data.

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

My favorite part about earning my MPH at Emory has to be the immense amount of opportunities to engage in hands-on work as a Graduate Research Assistant. The staff and faculty at Rollins provide students with so many opportunities to engage in ongoing research, or even start new research projects, that meet their interests.

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

Network with your peers and professors. Each student and faculty member has such a fascinating background and it is super cool to hear about all of their past experiences and current work. This is also a great ways for you to find opportunities that meet your interests!

How have you been spending your free time?

In my free time, I really enjoy going on runs around Atlanta. I also enjoy going on hikes, especially in North Georgia. I have also been exploring new food options around the area which has been nothing short of amazing.

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

I really enjoy studying at coffee shops around the city. Some of my favorites include Dancing Goats, Land of a Thousand Hills, Chocolate, and East Pole.

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

1. I love breakfast tacos.
2. I have gone skydiving in Dubai.
3. I was on a Bollywood fusion dance team in undergrad. 

Thanks for talking with us, Sahil! Tune in every Monday for a new feature on #WeAreEmoryEPI. 

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Jasmine Aqua

Meet Jasmine Aqua! Jasmine is a second-year PhD student in the Epidemiology department. In this feature, she talks about her experience being a triple Eagle, her current projects, and some fun facts! Read more about Jasmine below. 

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

I’m a triple Eagle! I graduated from Emory University in 2015 with a BA in English and in 2017 with an MPH in Global Epidemiology. I worked for a few years as a tuberculosis epidemiologist at the Georgia Department of Public Health, and now I’m back for my PhD.

What are your primary research interests?

My research focuses on the intersection of social epidemiology and immigrant health. I’m interested in studying how immigrant experiences (migration, acculturation, racial discrimination, etc.) impact cardiometabolic outcomes through a stress pathway. I’m also interested in studying how immigration policies and documentation status impact health outcomes.

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

I’m working on a few exciting projects. Within our department, I’m working on a systematic review of U.S. acculturation and sleep health outcomes in immigrant populations with Dr. Dayna Johnson and a manuscript on acculturative stress and cardiometabolic outcomes in Puerto Rican youth with Dr. Shakira Suglia. Outside of our department, I’m working with Emory nursing school professors on a pilot study of Korean and Chinese immigrants in Atlanta and with an Emory Sociology professor on COVID-19 vulnerability among undocumented immigrants in California.

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

When applying for PhD programs, it was important to me that I felt connected to the program’s faculty and students and that my research interests were valued and supported. I was also looking for a school that was located within a diverse and vibrant community.

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

I love how Emory is so multidisciplinary – there are so many other departments, schools, institutes, etc. within the Emory umbrella that are doing great work and it’s really cool to collaborate across disciplines.

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

1. When I was in undergrad at Emory, I was a guard for our mascot Dooley!
2. I’ve been teaching at Freedom University, a freedom school for undocumented immigrants banned from higher education in Georgia, since 2017.
3. I’m obsessed with skincare products and my skincare routine is my favorite part of the day.

It was great getting to know you, Jasmine! Tune in next Monday to see who we feature next on #WeAreEmoryEPI. 

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Martha Sheets

Meet Martha Sheets! Martha is a second-year Global Epidemiology MPH candidate. Their interests include Queer Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health, Maternal and Child Health, and Family Planning. In this feature, Martha talks about what projects they’ve been working on, advice for first-years, and how they’ve been spending their free time! Read more below. 

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

I graduated from undergrad in 2020 with a B.S. in Cognitive Science Neuroscience and minors in Global Health and Dance.

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

Opportunities to engage with the greater community surrounding the school, collaborative atmosphere, application centered courses.

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

I really appreciate how supportive and encouraging the professors are both in and out of the classroom. I’ve had the opportunity of engaging with teachers outside of the classroom setting and they are always so eager to help you find your way in public health and in the grand scheme of your life goals.

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

I am currently working at PRISM Health (Programs and Research in Sexual Minority Health) on the Transpire study, which is a study specifically designed to support transmasculine individuals in HIV prevention through a mobile based app where participants can get sexual health information, order testing kits and various sexual health products, and other features. I am particularly excited about working in sexual health for queer/trans populations both because I am queer and the needs of LGBTQ+ communities must be better understood to improve quality of care. I am also working in the OBGYN Department of the Emory School of Medicine on the Contraceptive Hormones, Immunity, and Microbiome Evaluation (CHIME) study, which evaluates hormonal contraception in cis-women and its effect on the immune system and microbiome.

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

Introduce yourself to professors and don’t be afraid to ask if they have any work opportunities! Networking is one of the best things about Rollins and the professors have so much knowledge and experience to share if you just initiate!

How have you been spending your free time? 

I like to choreograph dances in my spare time, or take online dance classes! I also just started learning the ukulele and painting again, which is a great de-stressor from homework

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

Tubing on the Chattahoochee river!

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

1. My older sister and I were both adopted from Shanghai, China
2. I’ve lived in 9 states in the U.S.
3. One of my favorite albums of all time is Dirty Computer by Janelle Monáe.

Thanks for talking with us, Martha! Tune in every Monday for a new feature of #WeAreEmoryEPI.

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Jonathan Ackleh-Tingle

Meet Jonathan Ackleh-Tingle! Jonathan is a second-year PhD student in the epidemiology program and a fifth-year MD-PhD student in the Emory MSTP program. In this feature, Jonathan talks about his current project, what drove him to Rollins, and his favorite things to do in Atlanta. Read more below!

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

I have a B.A. from Baylor University in Waco, TX, and an MSc from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

What are your primary research interests?

Broadly, I’m interested in infectious disease epidemiology. I’m still trying to figure out what sub-specialties I want to pursue within that field.

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

I’m working with Dr. Allison Chamberlain on a project to assess how well primary care physicians communicate about the COVID-19 vaccine, in an effort to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.

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

I applied to MD-PhD programs, so I also had to weigh the quality of the medical training in my decision. Ultimately, though, I chose Emory and RSPH because Emory has institutional connections with so many other public health organizations in Atlanta (and beyond), especially including the CDC and the Carter Center. Even if I didn’t personally leverage every one of those connections, I wanted to be part of a public health community at Rollins with a diversity of interests, experiences, and careers.

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

My professors have consistently been accessible, approachable, eager to get to know me, and happy to answer questions, whether related to coursework or not.

What advice do you have for prospective doctoral students?

You don’t have to apply to graduate school already knowing your intended dissertation aims. But in general, the more clarity and specificity you have about what you want to research, the better!

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

I am a big fan of the many farmer’s markets in the Atlanta area, especially including Buford Highway Farmer’s Market and Your Dekalb Farmer’s Market.

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

(1) Pre-COVID, I used to sing in the Emory University Chorus. It was a needed creative outlet during a science-heavy training program. I miss it and hope to join again when COVID is better-controlled!

(2) I am a sparkling water super-fan: La Croix, Perrier, Pellegrino, store brand, Spindrift, you name it, I’ll drink it. I often joke that I could probably single-handedly keep the entire industry afloat if needed.

(3) If I had to pursue a career outside of medicine and public health, I’m pretty sure I’d try my hand at being a travel agent. I love to travel, sure, but I enjoy planning and scheduling trips nearly to the same degree.

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

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Afua Nyame-Mireku

Afua Nyame-Mireku is a second-year Global Epidemiology MPH candidate. Afua is passionate about research and interventions that aim to improve maternal and child health outcomes for Black birthing people. In this feature, she talks about her practicum with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, why she chose Rollins, and advice for first-year students. Read more about Afua below!

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

I went to undergrad at the University of Maryland College Park, where I studied Public Health Science and Women’s Studies. I was also in the Global Public Health Scholars program.

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

I’m very excited to be completing my practicum as a Graduate Student Epidemiology Program (GSEP) intern at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health/Division of Maternal, Child, and Family Health! I am working with lived experience experts and stakeholders to develop several data-driven initiatives and evaluation plans aimed at reducing Black infant mortality in Philadelphia.

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

My favorite part about Emory is definitely the free food and beautiful campus! I spent a lot of last semester going to the free food truck events with friends and hanging out on campus.

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

I applied to Rollins because I was only interested in MPH programs that allowed me to have a focus in global health, epidemiology, and maternal and child health simultaneously. Luckily, I had the opportunity to go to Destination Public Health during the fall that I applied, and the kindness of the faculty and students sold me on Rollins.

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

My favorite class so far was a course I took for my Maternal and Child Health certificate: Foundations of Maternal and Child Health. It was great to be in a class with people from different concentrations who are all interested in different aspects of MCH. Plus, all of the lectures were amazing!

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

Give yourself grace while you are learning new material and always reach out for help from classmates or professors when you need it! Studying with classmates, especially for the epi and bios classes, makes the work much less overwhelming.

How have you been spending your free time?

I’ve been spending my free time traveling with my friends and catching up on one of my favorite reality TV shows, Love Island!

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

1. My family is from Ghana, and it is a tradition for parents to name their child based on the day of week they were born. Afua is for girls born on Friday.

2. I love to dance, and I jump at any opportunity to go to a masterclass.

3. My go-to karaoke song is We Belong Together by Mariah Carey. And no, I cannot sing.

It was great to learn more about you, Afua! Check out The Confounder every Monday for a new spotlight on #WeAreEmoryEPI!

Interested in sharing your story with our Confounder community? Email confounder [at] emory [dot] edu and we’ll let you know how to get featured. We can’t wait to hear from you!