How to Get the Most Out of a Public Health Conference

Many of us are continually looking for opportunities to sharpen our skills and expand our impact. Whether you’re exploring a short-term consultancy, pursuing specialized training, or engaging in fieldwork, there are countless ways to strengthen your professional portfolio. You may also be considering attending a public health conference or presenting your work at a poster session—both excellent avenues for continued growth and connection in the field. Here are 7 ways that you can make the most of any conference:

1. Plan Your Schedule in Advance – Conferences can be overwhelming with multiple sessions happening at once. Before the event, review the agenda, identify key sessions, and prioritize speakers or topics that align with your research interests and career goals. If possible, download the conference app or create a personalized itinerary to stay organized.
2. Network with Purpose – Conferences are prime opportunities to connect with professionals, researchers, and potential mentors. Instead of just collecting business cards, engage in meaningful conversations by asking thoughtful questions about others’ work. Prepare a short introduction about yourself and your interests, and don’t hesitate to follow up with an email or LinkedIn request to keep the connection alive.
3. Engage in Discussions – Active participation can make a lasting impression and deepen your learning experience. Ask questions during Q&A sessions, contribute to discussions, and share insights during roundtable talks. Engaging with presenters and attendees in a thoughtful way can help you gain new perspectives and make valuable connections.
4. Visit Poster Sessions – Poster sessions are great opportunities to learn about emerging research in a more informal setting. Take the time to read abstracts in advance, identify posters relevant to your field, and engage with presenters by asking about their methodologies, findings, and potential implications for public health practice. This can also be a chance to discuss your own research interests and explore collaboration opportunities.
5. Leverage Social Media – Many conferences have official hashtags and active discussions on platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn. Engaging with posts, sharing key takeaways, and connecting with other attendees online can expand your professional presence. You can also follow up with speakers or researchers by commenting on their posts or sharing their insights.
6. Take Notes and Reflect – With so much information being presented, it’s easy to forget important details. Keep a notebook or use a note-taking app to jot down key takeaways, speaker insights, and any new ideas that resonate with you. At the end of each day, reflect on what you’ve learned and consider how you can apply it to your studies or future career.
7. Follow Up and Apply What You Learn – A conference is just the beginning. After the event, reach out to new connections with a personalized message, referencing your conversation to reinforce the relationship. If a session or presentation sparked an idea, explore how you can incorporate it into your research or practice. Staying engaged beyond the conference will help maximize its long-term impact on your professional growth.

Tips for Crushing Finals Week

As we wrap up the semester’s classes and dive into finals week, it can feel like pushing through the final stretch of a marathon. We have already put in countless hours on homework, projects, and note taking, and now it is time to put our newfound skills to the test. Here are a few tips to manage stress levels and make the most of your study sessions this finals week:

1. Practice healthy habits: although it is tempting to put your healthy habits on the back burner in favor of some extra study minutes during finals week, holding on to them can actually improve academic performance. Be sure to eat nutritious foods, exercise, and get enough sleep at night. I really enjoy breaking up my study time with short walks to get exercise without throwing my schedule off.
2. Try out different study methods: consider mixing up the method that you use to study. Sometimes, it can be hard to stick to the same exact thing for hours (or days) on end. Trying a new method (like the ones linked here or others) can help keep you engaged and to retain material more effectively. My favorite is the Pomodoro method, where I break up my studying into chunks of time so that I can incorporate short breaks.
3. Consider putting your phone in another room: when your phone is sitting on your desk right next to your textbook, it can be hard to resist the urge to pick it up when your mind starts to wander. It has been found that the mere presence of your phone can be distracting and have negative impacts on memory (even if you manage to resist the urge to pick it up). Placing your phone in another room or in an out-of-sight location can help mitigate these effects.
4. Connect with friends and family: if feelings of stress related to finals week get overwhelming, don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and family to chat. Socialization can have positive impacts on mental health and is important to incorporate into our finals week routines. 
5. Take advantage of university resources: check the Emory University Center for Student Wellbeing for mental wellbeing resources. These are here for you to utilize, so do not hesitate to explore them. Remember that your performance this finals week does not define you and that your mental health comes first! 

Acing the Fellowship Application Process

Applying for fellowships can feel like a full-time job—especially when you’re juggling coursework, research, and a thesis or dissertation. But landing the right fellowship can open doors to incredible career opportunities, mentorship, and hands-on experience in your field. Whether you’re eyeing a public health agency, a research institute, or a global health nonprofit, these tips will help you navigate the process and put your best foot forward.

• Start Early & Stay Organized – Fellowship applications aren’t something you want to throw together at the last minute. Many require personal statements, writing samples, and multiple recommendation letters—things that take time to craft (and time for your recommenders to write!). Create a spreadsheet with deadlines and required materials so nothing falls through the cracks.

• Tailor Your Application – A one-size-fits-all approach won’t cut it. Each fellowship has its own priorities and mission, so tweak your resume, cover letter, and essays to reflect what they’re looking for. Highlight the skills and experiences that make you a perfect fit, whether that’s data analysis, community engagement, or policy work.

• Leverage Your Network – If you know someone who’s been through a fellowship program you’re interested in, reach out! Alumni, faculty, and current fellows can provide inside info on what the selection committee values, what the interview process is like, and how to craft a standout application. A well-placed email or LinkedIn message can go a long way.

• Showcase Impact, Not Just Experience – It’s not just about what you’ve done—it’s about the difference you’ve made. Instead of simply listing job duties, frame your experiences in terms of outcomes. Did your research inform a policy change? Did your data analysis lead to a new intervention? Use concrete examples and, if possible, numbers to show the real-world impact of your work.

• Prepare for Interviews – If you get an interview, congratulations! Now’s the time to practice talking about your research, your skills, and why you’re a great fit. Many fellowships look for strong communicators who can explain their work clearly, so practice with friends, mentors, or even in front of a mirror. Be ready for behavioral questions, like “Tell me about a time you faced a challenge in a research project.”

• Consider Multiple Options – Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. There are fellowships in government (like CDC EIS or ORISE), academia, nonprofits, and even the private sector. Each has its own perks, from hands-on policy experience to deep research opportunities. Applying to a mix of programs increases your chances of landing one that fits your career goals.

• Follow Up & Stay Engaged – After submitting your application or completing an interview, send a quick thank-you email to the people you spoke with. If you don’t get the fellowship, don’t burn bridges—staying in touch with program coordinators or former fellows can lead to other opportunities down the road.

Fellowship applications can be daunting, but with a solid strategy and a little persistence, you can land an opportunity that propels your career forward. Good luck—you’ve got this!

Unconventional Data Sources You May Not Have Known Could be Used for Public Health Research

When most people think of public data, they picture surveys, hospital records, or REDCap forms. But the world is full of unconventional, creative, and downright surprising sources of public health data. Some are used in cutting-edge research, others in outbreak response, and a few are just fun to explore when you need academic inspiration.

Here are some surprisingly powerful (and cool) data sources worth knowing about:

1. Wastewater Surveillance: Your toilet flush could be a powerful public health signal. Wastewater has been used to detect COVID-19 waves before clinical spikes, polio in communities with low vaccination rates, and antibiotic resistance trends. Because wastewater captures population-level signals—no surveys, no self-reporting—it’s becoming a cornerstone of early outbreak detection. There are even public dashboards tracking viral concentration in real time.
2. Social Media & Search Engine Data: Your tweets, Google searches, and TikTok videos aren’t just procrastination—they’re data. Google Trends was once used to estimate influenza activity globally. Negative reviews of scented candles were found to be positively correlated with COVID-19 surges. Social data is messy but rich—and perfect for EPI students interested in informatics, sentiment analysis, or misinformation research.
3. Satellite Imagery: Public health data can be measured from outer space. These satellite scans can be used to examine environmental hazards, to inform natural disaster emergency response, and even to identify non-communicable disease patterns. Some datasets are free through NASA and NOAA, so log onto ArcGIS Pro and see what patterns you can identify!
4. Glacial Ice Cores: Scientists drill deep into glaciers to analyze trapped air bubbles from thousands of years ago. These frozen time capsules can contain ancient bacteria, fragments of virus particles, and even anthrax spores that have the potential to cause disease if the permafrost were to melt. This data fits right in when epidemiology meets paleoclimatology—a niche, yes, but undeniably cool.
5. Food Delivery Apps: Delivery platforms like Uber Eats and Doordash contain unconventional data on food purchasing patterns. Researchers have used this data to explore nutritional intake, to understand how social determinants of health are linked to weight status, and to inform future initiatives to improve access to healthy foods. These studies are a great example of researchers adapting their data sources to the modern technological environment to better population health for all.
6. Critters and Creepy-Crawlies: Creatures can be sampled in the field to understand disease patterns within the zoonotic reservoir. Mosquito sampling can be used to predict patterns of West Nile Virus in humans. Hunters can submit deer for Chronic Wasting Disease testing to ensure safe consumption. Non-invasive sampling methods are also used to monitor for disease without disrupting ecosystems or causing unnecessary distress to animals. Understanding zoonotic data gives us the power of early detection, helping us in our efforts to stay one step ahead of the next pandemic.

Public health research is evolving. Traditional datasets are a great resource, but utilizing new methods can allow us to extend our research to new areas. These alternative sources can capture real-time behavior, reduce self-report bias, detect outbreaks early, and highlight inequities that medical data may miss. Keep an eye out for these methods when you are reviewing public health literature!

LinkedIn for Epidemiologists

At some point since starting at Rollins, you have probably heard a faculty member, guest speaker, or classmate mention their LinkedIn profile. Some of you may be longtime LinkedIn users and others may be considering joining the platform for the first time. No matter where you fall on this spectrum, you may be wondering how you can make use of the resources that LinkedIn offers to its users. Here are some dos and don’ts for navigating LinkedIn as an epidemiologist:

DO:

1. Follow Rollins School of Public Health! The RSPH page routinely posts about upcoming opportunities and articles that can help stay up to date on new research and happenings in the world of public health. You can also use the “Alumni” tab on the page to browse classmates and graduates that have added Rollins to their own profile.
2. Use LinkedIn to keep up with other public health organizations. Many organizations of interest such as the CDC, the Georgia Department of Public Health, and the American Cancer Society use LinkedIn to post job opportunities and updates to their programs. By navigating to the “People” tab on an organizations page, you can also browse current/former employees. If you see someone who is doing work that you are interested in, you can connect with or follow them to stay up to date on their research.
3. Keep up with your classmates. Consider connecting with folks you meet in your classes here at Rollins. The world of public health is small, and you may find that LinkedIn can help you get back in touch with a classmate who is doing work you are interested in after graduation. This can make networking easier!
4. Update your profile/make posts as you accomplish new things. LinkedIn allows you to showcase almost everything that you are doing at Rollins, from REAL jobs to student organizations to certifications you have obtained. By keeping your profile up to date, you put your best foot forward in the event that a potential employer views your profile. If you already have a resume, you can likely reuse that material to update your LinkedIn.
5. Browse the “Jobs” tab on your LinkedIn homepage. Based on the experiences you have listed on your profile, LinkedIn may recommend jobs that seem aligned with your skills. This can be a good jumping-off point for a job search. While this can definitely be a good resource, be sure to check the website of the job posting before applying, as LinkedIn job postings may be created automatically and can sometimes leave out important job details or requirements that are featured on the employer’s website. 

DON’T:

1. Don’t use LinkedIn as your only resource during a job hunt. When searching for a job, you do not want to close yourself off to any potential opportunities. Some employers do not use LinkedIn, so be sure to explore beyond one website. Like I said above, LinkedIn can be a good starting point during a job search, but it is important to use all of your resources, such as 12Twenty (or the Confounder!). 
2. Don’t share information you do not feel comfortable having available publicly. While I have included keeping your profile updated in the “Do” section, it is important to remember that it is never required to post something on LinkedIn that you do not want to. Using LinkedIn is entirely optional, and some folks may choose not use it at all. Remember that there are always other ways to network and it is totally fine to say no to posting on/using LinkedIn.
3. Don’t spend too much time on LinkedIn if it is impacting your mental health! While it can be a great resource for networking, it can also be draining to be constantly comparing yourself to the successes that your colleagues have posted about on LinkedIn. Studies have even found that using LinkedIn can be associated with feelings of impostor syndrome. At the end of the day, everyone’s career moves at a different pace and people only typically post about their successes. It is important to avoid comparing yourself to the deliberately curated profiles that are posted to LinkedIn. If you notice your mental health being impacted by LinkedIn, take some time away from the platform. Remember that it is not the only way to network or find jobs and that your mental health comes first!

7 Podcasts that Epidemiologists Should Add to their Rotation

Originally published Fall 2024.

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

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

Happy listening!

Breaking into Pharma and Biotech: Epidemiology Careers in Industry

Thinking about life beyond academia or government work? You’re not alone. More and more epidemiology grads are finding their footing in the world of pharma and biotech—and loving it. Whether you’re driven by data, strategy, or innovation, industry roles offer a fast-paced, impactful environment where epi skills shine. If you’re curious about making the leap, here are some tips to get you started:

1. Learn the Lingo
   Pharma and biotech use a slightly different dialect than academia or public health. Terms like real-world evidence (RWE), HEOR (health economics and outcomes research), clinical development, and regulatory affairs come up often. Start getting familiar with this language through LinkedIn job posts, webinars, or company blogs. It’ll help you understand what different roles actually entail—and you’ll be able to speak their language in interviews.

2. Network with Intention
   Connecting with Rollins alums or other professionals in industry can open doors that a cold resume can’t. But rather than sending a generic message, do a little homework first—mention something specific about their background or role that caught your attention. During informational interviews, ask thoughtful questions like what surprised them most about working in industry, or what skills they use daily. These conversations are gold when it comes to tailoring your own path.

3. Consider Internships and Fellowships
   Getting your foot in the door is often easier through structured programs. Look into opportunities like the CDC’s ORISE Fellowship (which sometimes partners with industry), or internships at companies like Genentech, Amgen, or Moderna. Many of these programs look for graduate students with strong analytical skills and public health experience—aka you. Even short-term roles can give you insider exposure and valuable talking points for future applications.

4. Build Skills That Translate
   Industry loves data-savvy problem solvers. Strong programming skills in SAS, R, Python, and experience managing large healthcare or claims databases will give you a major edge. But soft skills count too—project management, cross-functional communication, and an ability to translate complex findings into actionable insights are all highly valued. Think about how to frame your academic work in a way that shows impact and collaboration.

5. Tailor Your Resume Like a Pro
   Industry resumes are short, punchy, and focused on results. Ditch the dense paragraphs and opt for bullet points that highlight accomplishments—did your analysis help improve a program? Did you coordinate across departments? Use numbers and action verbs whenever possible. It’s less about listing everything you’ve done and more about showing how you’ve made a difference.

6. Keep an Open Mind About Job Titles
   Not every job with “epidemiologist” in the title is in academia—and not every industry role that fits your background will use that title. Look out for positions like Clinical Scientist, Medical Affairs Associate, RWE Analyst, Pharmacovigilance Specialist, or Health Outcomes Researcher. Read job descriptions carefully, and don’t be afraid to apply if you meet most—but not all—of the qualifications.

7. Stay Curious About the Industry
   Pharma and biotech are constantly evolving. Stay current by following companies on LinkedIn, subscribing to newsletters like Endpoints News, STAT, or Fierce Pharma, and tracking policy updates from the FDA or EMA. Having a sense of industry trends—like the rise of personalized medicine or AI in drug development—can help you hold your own in interviews and understand where you might fit in.

Preventing and Conquering Burnout this Semester

As we begin this new semester, you may be excited to take on all of your different classes, jobs, internships, and life responsibilities. At the same time, you might be feeling concerned or stressed about juggling all of them, and wondering how you will ever do it. Developing good habits to take care of yourself is not only essential for your overall well-being, but also a key strategy to stay on top of your responsibilities and prevent burnout. And if burnout does rear its head, knowing how to navigate it is just as crucial. Let’s explore some effective strategies to deal with burnout if it does arise.

Creating Good Habits to Prevent Burnout:

1. Prioritize Self-Care: In all the hustle and bustle of student life, it’s easy to neglect self-care. Remember that taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health is most important. Allocate time for activities that make you feel refreshed, relaxed, or accomplished – whether it’s reading, exercising, practicing mindfulness, or enjoying hobbies. Self-care is not a luxury — it’s a necessity.

2. Set Realistic Boundaries: The demands of school, work, and life can be all-consuming. Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life is crucial. Designate specific times for studying, research, and relaxation. Create a schedule that allows for focused work periods and regular breaks. This practice not only prevents burnout but can also increase your overall productivity.

3. Stay Connected: Being isolated can only make you feel worse. Staying connected with your peers, professors, and mentors. If you don’t know where to find people with similar interests, you can start by checking the Corq app (or The Hub) to find dozens of upcoming events that cover a wide range of topics and clubs.  Creating a support system here at Emory will do wonders for your mental health, and you will see the benefits of this in other areas of your life as well.

4. Quality Sleep and Nutrition: Sleep and nutrition directly impact your energy and well-being. Prioritize getting enough restful sleep and maintaining a balanced diet. These basic practices fuel your ability to cope with the demands of academia.

Navigating Burnout:

1. Recognize the Signs: Burnout often starts subtly – increased exhaustion, reduced motivation, and a growing sense of stress and cynicism. Recognize these signs early on to take action before burnout takes over.

2. Seek Help and Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Talk to friends, family, mentors, or counseling services provided by your institution. Sharing your feelings and seeking advice can provide much-needed relief and perspective. Emory offers excellent mental healthcare, including free telehealth therapy for eligible students with the TimelyCare app. You can learn more about some of those resources here. 

3. Reevaluate Goals: Reflect on your goals, both academic and personal. Are they realistic and attainable? Adjusting your expectations can alleviate the pressure contributing to burnout.

4. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Recognize that burnout is a common challenge, not a personal failure. Treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a friend facing a difficult situation.

5. Take Breaks: Sometimes, stepping back is the best step forward. If burnout is looming, take a day off to recharge. Engage in activities you enjoy, spend time with loved ones, or simply relax.

6. Learn and Grow: Use burnout as a learning opportunity. Reflect on its causes and triggers. This self-awareness can help you develop strategies to prevent its recurrence in the future.

By prioritizing your well-being, nurturing good habits, and staying attentive to the signs of burnout, you can achieve success while safeguarding your mental and physical health. Remember, taking care of yourself is an investment that pays off not only in your academic journey, but in all areas of your life. So, take a deep breath, embrace healthy habits, and navigate the challenges of grad school with resilience and self-compassion.