#WeAreEmoryEpi: Surya Krishnakumar

Welcome back to #WeAreEmoryEPI! For this week’s Student Spotlight, we have Surya Krishnakumar, a second-year MPH Student giving us a different perspective as she looks forward to graduating soon! 

Interview conducted by Aditi Nayak.

Where did you go to school before joining #EmoryEPI at Rollins School of Public Health? 

I completed my undergrad in Dentistry from India before transitioning into public health. I am currently a second-year MPH student in Epidemiology at Rollins School of Public Health, where I am also pursuing the Infectious Disease Epidemiology certificate. My clinical background sparked my interest in understanding diseases beyond individual patients and at the population level, which ultimately led me to epidemiology. 

When applying, what were you looking for within public health, and why did you choose #EmoryEPI for your MPH? 

I chose Emory Epidemiology because I wanted strong, applied training that connects directly to real clinical and infectious disease research. With my background in dentistry, Emory felt like the right place to build rigorous EPI and BIOS skills while staying close to patient-centered public health. I was also drawn to the opportunities to work across hospital and clinic settings in Atlanta. 

What are your primary research interests? 

My primary research interests are in HIV and infectious disease epidemiology, particularly cardiometabolic outcomes among women living with HIV and disparities in PrEP access. I am especially interested in applying quantitative methods to understand long-term treatment effects, metabolic changes, and structural inequities in care delivery. 

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

I’m currently in the Infectious Disease Epidemiology Certificate and work as a Graduate Research Assistant in Emory School of Medicine’s Infectious Disease Division. I also worked as a Collaborative Biostatistics Intern, analyzing outcomes related to INSTI-based ART switches and cardiovascular risk. In addition, I’m working on my thesis under the PRISM Viral Epidemiology Program, analyzing telePrEP disparities in PrEP access in the U.S. 

What has been your favorite class at Rollins thus far, and why? 

One of my favorite classes at Rollins has been EPI 546 (HIV Epidemiology). I really enjoyed how the course integrated epidemiologic methods with real-world HIV research, policy, and clinical implications. It strengthened my understanding of HIV transmission dynamics, prevention strategies, and treatment outcomes, while directly complementing the research I’m involved in at Emory. 

What advice do you have for new #EmoryEPI students? 

Start early and stay consistent. Reach out to mentors, join a project, and let your skills grow through real work. You don’t need to feel “fully ready” before applying for research roles. Showing up, learning, and following through will definitely help you find your place.   

Thank you for your helpful advice and insights from your #EmoryEPI journey, Surya!   

To our readers: keep an eye out for the Confounder newsletter every Monday for more #WeAreEmoryEPI student spotlights, and feel free to reach out to aditi [dot] nayak [at] emory [dot] edu if you want to share your #EmoryEPI journey!  

#WeAreEmoryEpi: Prachi Saxena

Welcome back to #WeAreEmoryEPI! Now that we’re back from Spring Break, here we have a new Student Spotlight, featuring Prachi Saxena, a first-year MSPH student, sharing insights from her #EmoryEPI journey so far. 

Interview conducted by Aditi Nayak.

Where did you go to school before joining #EmoryEPI at Rollins School of Public Health? 

I completed my undergraduate studies at Emory University, where I earned dual B.S. degrees in Neuroscience & Behavioral Biology and Psychology.  

When applying, what were you looking for within public health, and why did you choose #EmoryEPI for your MPH? 

I chose Emory EPI because of its strong integration of rigorous methods with real-world public health impact, especially in genetics, neuroscience, and mental health research. My background in neuroscience and psychology led me to want a program that values both biological mechanisms and population-level thinking. Emory’s research environment and mentorship culture made it the perfect place to grow as both a scientist and a leader. 

What are your primary research interests? 

My primary research interests focus on neuropsychiatric disorders, with a particular emphasis on autism-related disorders. I am especially interested in understanding how early-life and environmental exposures interact with biological mechanisms, such as genetic and epigenetic factors, to influence neurodevelopmental outcomes across the life course. 

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

I’m currently working on coursework and certificate training in Genetic & Molecular Epidemiology, with a focus on how biological and environmental factors shape neuropsychiatric and behavioral outcomes. I’m also involved in research on behavioral and clinical outcomes in pediatric and autism-related populations. Outside the classroom, I am Vice President of Society for Public Health in Medicine (SPHM) and VP of Media & Engagement for Science Communication for All (SCFA). I engage in leadership and science communication efforts that connect public health research to broader communities. 

What has been your favorite class at Rollins thus far, and why? 

My favorite class at Rollins so far has been my Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology course. I’ve enjoyed how the course uses CVD as a framework to apply core epidemiologic methods to real-world clinical and public health questions, and it has strengthened my skills in causal thinking, study design, and critical evaluation of population-based research. 

What advice do you have for new #EmoryEPI students? 

Don’t be afraid to lean into the intersections of your interests, some of the most meaningful research lives in the space between disciplines. Ask questions early, build relationships with mentors, and trust that you belong in every room you walk into. Emory EPI is what you make of it, so be bold in shaping your own path.  

Thanks for sharing such great insights on your #EmoryEPI journey, Prachi!   

To our readers: keep an eye out for the Confounder newsletter every Monday for more #WeAreEmoryEPI student spotlights, and feel free to reach out to aditi [dot] nayak [at] emory [dot] edu if you want to share your #EmoryEPI journey!  

#WeAreEmoryEpi: Michael Georgescu

Welcome back to #WeAreEmoryEPI! Today, we’re spotlighting Michael Georgescu, a PhD student in #EmoryEPI, as he talks about his path, passions, and experiences within the program. 

Interview conducted by Aditi Nayak.

Tell us about your academic history/where you went to school before Emory. 

My academic history began at Jefferson Community College in Upstate New York, where I earned my Associate’s degree in Psychology. I then received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Binghamton University. I then went to Yale University for my Master’s in Public Health on the Social and Behavioral Sciences track. I took two years off from school and worked at the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging in an epidemiology laboratory. I am currently a PhD student in the Department of Epidemiology at Emory University. 

When applying, what were you looking for within public health, and why did you choose #EmoryEPI for your MPH? 

After completing my MPH at Yale and then a post-graduate fellowship at the National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), I was inspired by the diversity of researchers and dedicated faculty there who were trying to improve health, resiliency, and recovery. I chose the Emory EPI PhD because I wanted to be like those NIH researchers while building on my MPH education. Emory EPI, like the NIH, has a diverse research faculty and staff, while fostering an intellectual environment that inspires young public health professionals and researchers, and an environment I wanted to be a part of. 

What are your primary research interests? 

My primary research interests lie in neuropsychiatric epidemiology and cardiovascular determinants of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias. 

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

Currently, I am a teaching assistant for Social Epidemiology and work with Dr. Amit Shah, studying Vietnam Era Twins’ cognitive and cardiovascular health. I also co-mentor master’s students on their research. I am also working on personal research projects examining the psychiatric and functional burden of depression in US veterans. 

What has been your favorite class at Rollins thus far, and why? 

Aging Epidemiology has been my favorite class thus far. The class not only aligns with my existing research interests but also delves into aspects of healthy aging that I did not know much about. Such as the environment and aging, caregiver support, public policies about aging, and so much more. If you are interested or curious about healthy aging and at Emory, I encourage you to take this interesting class.   

What advice do you have for new #EmoryEPI students? 

Be kind to yourself, the MPH and PhD education is a hard journey, but very rewarding and well worth it. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help; graduate education is not a solo journey. At Emory EPI, you will certainly have a family to support and help you.  

Thank you for your helpful advice, Michael!   

To our readers: keep an eye out for the Confounder newsletter every Monday for more #WeAreEmoryEPI student spotlights, and feel free to reach out to aditi [dot] nayak [at] emory [dot] edu if you want to share your #EmoryEPI journey!  

#WeAreEmoryEpi: Neyati Patel

Welcome back to #WeAreEmoryEPI! For our first spotlight this New Year, we have Neyati Patel, a first-year MPH student, sharing insights from her #EmoryEPI journey so far. 

Interview conducted by Aditi Nayak.

Tell us about your academic history/where you went to school before Emory. 

I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Kentucky, where I studied Human Health Sciences. During my time there, I was involved in equestrian research that focused on injury prevention and longevity among horse riders, specifically jockeys and competitive riders. Our work examined ways to minimize head, neck, and spine injuries through performance testing and applied research, which sparked my interest in how epidemiologic methods can be used to improve health outcomes. 

When applying, what were you looking for within public health, and why did you choose #EmoryEPI for your MPH? 

I chose Emory EPI because of its strong reputation as one of the leading epidemiology programs in the country and the opportunity to learn from faculty who are deeply involved in real-world public health research and practice. I was also drawn to Emory’s strong connections with healthcare systems, public health agencies, and other organizations across Atlanta and beyond.   

What are your primary research interests? 

My primary research interests focus on infectious disease surveillance and the role it plays in identifying disparities and guiding public health action. I am particularly interested in how surveillance data can be used not only to track disease patterns, but also to inform more equitable prevention and intervention strategies. 

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

I’m currently pursuing the Infectious Disease Epidemiology certificate, and I work with the Georgia Emerging Infections Program on Active Bacterial Core surveillance. In this role, I support surveillance activities, data abstraction, and quality assurance efforts.  

What has been your favorite class at Rollins thus far, and why? 

My favorite class at Rollins so far has been HIV Epidemiology. It has deepened my understanding of the disease, from transmission dynamics to prevention strategies and long-term outcomes. Dr. Jodie Guest makes complex concepts engaging and consistently connects the science to real-world public health practice. I also enjoyed taking Epidemiologic Methods 1 with her, as it gave me a strong foundation in different study designs and helped me think more critically about how we generate and interpret evidence in public health research. 

What advice do you have for new #EmoryEPI students? 

My advice is to really put yourself out there and take initiative- go to events, introduce yourself to faculty, apply for opportunities even if you feel unsure, and start building your network early. Emory has incredible resources and connections, but the more proactive and engaged you are, the more you’ll get out of the experience!   

Thanks for sharing such great insights, Neyati!   

To our readers: keep an eye out for the Confounder newsletter every Monday for more #WeAreEmoryEPI student spotlights, and feel free to reach out to aditi [dot] nayak [at] emory [dot] edu if you want to share your #EmoryEPI journey!  

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Olivia Christman

Hello everyone, and welcome back to #WeAreEmoryEPI! We heard from second-year EPI MPH student Olivia this week. Read more below about her experience!

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

Thanks for joining us, Olivia! As always, be sure to see who we talk to next on #WeAreEmoryEPI, and good luck this finals season, everyone!

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Akshay Deverakonda

This week, we heard from second year EPI MSPH student Akshay Deverakonda. Read more below about his experience!

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

Thank you for sharing with us, Akshay! One last message from him: As long as we all have each other, we will be okay. Stay tuned to see who we hear from next on #WeAreEmoryEPI!

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Dr. Alvaro Alonso

Happy Monday, everyone! This week, we heard from Dr. Alvaro Alonso, a faculty member in the EPI department. Read more about his background and work below!

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

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Aryn O’Dell

This week on #WeAreEmoryEPI, we’re hearing from first-year EPI MPH student Aryn O’Dell. Read more below about her background and interests!

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