MD/PhD Candidate: Kristin Harrington

For this week’s #IamEmoryEpi spotlight, we met up with Kristin Harrington!

Tell us a little bit about your academic history:

I went to the University of Wisconsin in Madison for undergrad, and I majored in biochemistry and global health. I worked for a couple of years, and then started the MD/PhD program here at Emory in 2016.

What are your primary research interests?

My primary research interests are in infectious disease transmission modeling (specifically for tuberculosis), using a combination of field work, Bayesian statistics, and geospatial methods! My advisor is Neel Gandhi.

What were you up this this past summer?

This summer I was mainly working on writing up my F30 fellowship grant for the NIH – so lots of writing and communicating with all of my collaborators for what will eventually become my dissertation! I also worked on the data analyses for a couple of other research projects I am involved with, and went to a few summer courses focused on biostatistical methods for ID modeling. I was also able to travel to the Republic of Georgia, and France!

Are there any exciting projects or experiences you are involved in right now?

Currently my research has been focused on some of the other projects I have going on separate to my dissertation. I am involved in a project comparing diagnostic tests for cryptococcal disease, which is an opportunistic fungal infection – I presented this work at the IDWeek conference in DC last month, and hopefully the manuscript will be completed soon! My other project is looking at pulmonary diseases (like asthma and COPD) in people with HIV in Atlanta, and I just submitted an abstract to the ATS conference for next May.

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

My favorite part about getting my PhD here at Emory is being surrounded by such amazing faculty and students – all of the students are so accomplished and have so much to share in terms of their experiences, and the faculty are so well known for their contributions to the field of epidemiology.

What advice do you have for MPH students?

Take advantage of all of the opportunities here at Rollins – for involvement in teaching, research projects, taking courses, everything! One thing I really missed when I graduated college and started working was being supported by an academic institution that really provides as much as possible for you to succeed moving forward.

What books are you currently reading, or what podcasts are you currently listening to?

The books I have currently on my coffee table to start reading over winter break are Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell, Know My Name by Chanel Miller, and Dying of Whiteness by Jonathan Metzl. Podcasts that I am always listening to are All Songs Considered and The Daily!

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

1. I lived in 5 states and in the Philippines before starting high school.
2. I absolutely love kickboxing.
3. I am obsessed with my bikes and all sports/activities bike-related!

ADAPs: Noni Bourne and Farah Dharamshi

For this week’s #IamEmoryEpi spotlight, we had the special opportunity to get to know both of our new ADAPs (Assistant Director of Academic Programs) in the department: Noni Bourne and Farah Dharamshi!

Tell us a little bit about your academic history:

Noni: I went to Spelman College for undergrad and completed a Masters in English and American Literature at Georgetown University.

Farah: I have a bachelors in science (BS) in environmental studies from the University of Winnipeg (I’m Canadian!), I hold a masters in science and education (MSEd) in public health from the University of Toledo, and a juris master- JM (master in law) in global health law from Emory University.

Where were you before arriving at Rollins?

Noni: My last position was at Trinity Washington University in D.C., where I worked in academic advising and student success.  Before that, I traveled to the South Pacific with the Peace Corps and spent several years advising NYU students.

Farah: I was a director in the Office of Enrollment Management and Student Services for five years at the Emory University School of Law. I have worked in consulting, and graduate medical education as director of medical education, working primarily with family practice residents. I have conducted research in childhood obesity, and interpersonal violence, and has presented numerous seminars on these topics along with early cognitive development, and women’s preventative health. I am also an active community volunteer, and serves as a principal and teacher on the weekends at an early childhood development center.

Why did you want to become an ADAP for the Epidemiology Department?

Noni: I was interested in the ADAP role because it allows me to support students from orientation all the way through to graduation, which is the best part of my job. I’m also really looking forward to learning about and being involved in the inner workings of the department, including admissions and student programming.

Farah: I love working with students, and helping individuals reach their highest potential! It is very rewarding for me to see the change, growth, and development that happens when students find and pursue their passion. I am also excited about the tremendous amount of collaboration both within RSPH, and across Emory to provide an exemplary student experience.

What are you most excited about at Emory?

Noni: I’m excited to join a vibrant, diverse, and well-respected community of scholars, students, and staff.  I’m also excited to learn more about public health and Epidemiology specifically, which are new to me; but (as you already know) have influenced much of my life.

Farah: I had an amazing experience being a student here, and decided to stay! The great minds, and diversity on campus makes each day an adventure.

What goals do you have when it comes to working with your new MPH students?

Noni: I’m looking forward to helping them make the most of their experience and training here at Emory.  That means different things for every student; so I’m excited to get to know my advisees better!

Farah: I’m excited to start meeting all of my students. I’m looking forward to learning about each one individually, and supporting them throughout their time here at Rollins!

What books are you currently reading, or what podcasts are you currently listening to?

Noni:  I’m a big fiction reader.  I recently finished An American Marriage, which is by Tayari Jones (my Spelman sister and current Emory professor).  Before that I was riveted by N.K. Jemisin’s sci-fi/fantasy trilogy The Broken Earth.  I haven’t decided what’s next, and am open to recommendations!

Farah: I am always listening to something, and very rarely watch anything. My favorite podcasts are: RadioLab, OnBeing, the TED Radio Hour, Science VS, HIDDEN BRAIN, Planet Money, Revisionist History, Science Rules, and Science Friday. I am currently reading: When Breath Becomes Air, The Checklist Manifesto, and The Obesity Code.

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

Noni:

1. Fall is my favorite season, so I am currently living my best sweater and PSL life.
2. My guilty pleasure is Netflix binge-watching.
3. I like to cook and my most used spice is cumin. 

Farah:

1. I love to run – I’ve run in a lot of amazing cities around the world – it’s the best way to know a place.
2. I love to cook everything, although I am currently expanding my vegetarian repertoire for my daughter’s recent conversion.
3. I spent my first five years in Africa – Kampala, Uganda.

Rollins Professor: Audrey Gaskins

For this week’s #IamEmoryEPI, we caught up with Dr. Audrey Gaskins!

Tell us where you went to school:

I received my Bachelors of Science in Engineering from Duke University (2004-2008) and my Doctorate of Science in Nutrition and Epidemiology from Harvard School of Public Health (2010-2014).

What are your primary research interests?

I am interested in how nutrition, lifestyle, and environmental exposures affect a couple’s ability to conceive and have healthy pregnancies and babies.

What did you do this past summer?

I had my first baby in May so I spent my summer on maternity leave caring for a sweet baby boy and soaking up all his newborn snuggles.

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

After I finished my undergraduate degree I worked as a post-bachelorette fellow at the NICHD where my mentor was studying how oxidative stress affects menstrual cycle function. It was during those two years that I became fascinated with the topic of human fertility and how little we knew about the factors that affect a man and woman’s chance of conceiving.

What is your favorite part about being at Emory?

The people. Everyone I have met so far is incredibly welcoming and collaborative which is not the standard at many other big research institutions.

Do you have any advice for MPH students?

Don’t feel like you have to narrow down your interests immediately (you can do this later). The MPH program gives you many incredible opportunities to learn about all the different areas of public health- enjoy them! 

What are three fun facts about yourself?

1. One of my favorite workouts is boxing- I even continued doing it during my pregnancy, up until I was a week from my due date!
2.  I was a vegetarian for a long time… until I married a Texan
3. My research on TV watching and semen quality was mentioned in one of Conan O’Brien’s monologues

2nd Year Epi MPH Student: Kirsten Woolpert

For this week’s #IamEmoryEpi spotlight, we met up with Kirsten Woolpert!

Tell us where you went to school:

I went to UNC Wilmington, where I studied Biology and Spanish.

What are your primary research interests?

My main interests are in breast cancer research and epidemiologic methodology.

What did you do this past summer?

I worked remotely this summer for the American Cancer Society (ACS), where I performed an evaluation of the SOURCE (Strengthening Organizations for a United Response to the Cancer Epidemic) program. I was responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of this ACS initiative, where in-country cancer organizations were taught how to deliver effectively on their mission and work to reduce the cancer burden throughout Kenya. I also spent the summer coaching our local swim team and teaching swim lessons.

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

I found this opportunity through Handshake in early-March.

What is your favorite part about being at Emory?

I really love the Rollins community and knowing that we have such an inclusive and supportive environment. I’ve met so many amazing people in my year here, and I’m so excited to continue getting to know more of our incredible faculty and student body!

Do you have any advice for MPH students?

It’s easy to get caught up in graduate school life, but really make sure to take time out of each week to step away from your work and school responsibilities. I am currently enrolled in two art classes, and each week I’m so happy to step back and work on a hobby I love!

What are three fun facts about yourself?

Rollins Professor: Michael Kramer

For this week’s #IamEmoryEPI, we caught up with Dr. Michael Kramer!

Tell us where you went to school:

I received my BA in human development and social relations at Earlham College; Master of Science as a physician assistant (at Emory) and then another MS specializing in clinical emergency medicine (at Alderson-Broaddus). I received my PhD in EPI at Emory.

What are your primary research interests?

I am primarily interested in social epidemiology of non-communicable disease, particularly in maternal and child health populations. This work involves focus on social theory, epi (and other) methods, and often the use of spatial thinking and spatial analysis.

What did you do this past summer?

In terms of teaching and mentoring work, I worked with several MPH and PhD students on a variety of projects, and did some prep work revising and tweaking aspects of the Spatial Epidemiology course I am teaching this fall. In terms of research I finished and submitted a manuscript related to work on health equity and maternal mortality with the CDC Division of Reproductive Health (the paper was just accepted to AJOG). In terms of fun I spend 10 days backcountry canoeing with my wife in Ontario.

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

I have many ongoing projects. Some evolved from prior work I was doing (one answer inevitably leads to 20 new questions!), but a number of projects are collaborations with other at Emory, scientists at CDC, and collaborators at other academic and non-academic public health institutions; they arise from networking and connections and reaching out to other people doing cool work!

What is your favorite part about being at Emory?

Great students, great colleagues (faculty and staff), and great public health community in Atlanta and in the Southeast. Too many interesting projects to keep up with.

Do you have any advice for MPH students?

Cultivate two things: the skills and knowledge that you are already passionate about (e.g. possibly an area of epi or public health or a place you hope to work one day); explore a little outside of your current passion. You don’t always know what you don’t know and sometimes those things become your future.

What are some fun facts about yourself?

1. I bike to work year round; I often pass (or get passed by) people I know from RSPH when riding but because I a) don’t wear my glasses when I ride; and b) am pretty focused on riding…I may not seem to recognize or acknowledge you. My apologies in advance for seeming rude when really I’m blind or oblivious! 
2. I raise dairy goats. They have provided milk for my family for 14 years but now they are old-lady goats living out their retirement.

2nd Year Epi MPH Student: Amber Moore

For this week’s #IamEmoryEpi spotlight, we met up with Amber Moore!

Tell us where you went to school:

I went to Ohio State University (Go Bucks), where I studied Environmental Public Health.

What are your primary research interests?

I’m primarily interested in mental and behavioral health, especially depression and suicide.

What did you do this past summer?

I was an ORISE Fellow at the CDC studying Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

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

My REAL supervisor asked me to stay on for the summer and I was able to meet the MH Certificate requirements through our study!

What is your favorite part about being at Emory?

First of all, the connection between Emory and the CDC is an incredible opportunity that not many schools can offer. I’m so lucky to have 1.5 years experience there when I graduate, which will (hopefully) make me competitive in the job search. Second, Atlanta is an amazing city to live in as a young professional.

Do you have any advice for MPH students?

Seek out opportunities to grow as a public health professional outside of the classroom. I’ve learned so much through organizations and volunteering.

What are three fun facts about yourself?

Rollins Professor: Lauren McCullough

For this week’s #IamEmoryEPI, we caught up with Dr. Lauren McCullough!

Tell us where you went to school:

I received my BA from Vanderbilt, my MSPH from Meharry Medical College, and my PhD from UNC Chapel Hill.

What are your primary research interests?

I am interested in molecular epidemiology of obesity as it relates to cancer progression and outcomes and multi-level drivers of disparities in breast cancer outcomes. 

What did you do this past summer?

At work: I organized my research projects, as well as on-boarded new staff and trainees. 

At home: Baseball….everyday…..all day…..baseball.

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

I have a personal connection to cancer, and my undergraduate training in influenced my decision to study molecular epidemiology. Being raised in a primarily African-American community and seeing first-hand disparities in all aspects of life (i.e. health, housing, income) strongly influences the questions I ask and populations I serve. 

What is your favorite part about being at Emory?

Hands down my trainees. We work hard, we learn from each other, we laugh together. They really are an extension of my family. Couldn’t ask for more!

Do you have any advice for MPH students?

Network. The market is competitive; the more you can get to know people (professors, professionals, peers) the better your odds of landing a job or successfully competing for graduate/professional school

What are three fun facts about yourself?

1. I (will soon) have 3 boys, so my house is live — all the time!
2. For 12 years I was a competitive baton twirler (3 state titles [GA] and 2 national titles). 
3. If I wasn’t an epidemiologist I’d probably be a financial adviser. 

PhD Student: Katie Ross

For this week’s #IamEmoryEPI, we caught up PhD student Katie Ross!

Tell us where you went to school:

I did my undergrad in Public Health from the University of Miami in 2015. I got my MPH in Epi from RSPH in 2017, and I am now a PhD student (still in Epi!).

What are your primary research interests?

I am interested in health services research and social epidemiology. I work with Dr. Rachel Patzer on improving access to transplantation for patients with end-organ failure in the United States.

What did you do this past summer?

I spent most of the summer traveling to conferences and working on my dissertation. However, I did get to spend two weeks in Banff, which rocked!

You recently were awarded the Anoopa Sharma Award! Can you tell us a little bit about that?

The Anoopa Sharma Award for Excellence in Epidemiologic Research is given in honor of Anoopa Sharma, a PhD student in the Epidemiology department who passed away in the first year of her program. You can find out more about Anoopa and her legacy here: http://anoopasharmachildrensfoundation.blogspot.com/.

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

Everyone – including faculty, fellow students, and the department – is dedicated to helping each other and creating a supportive environment.

Do you have any advice for future PhD students?

When choosing an advisor, look for someone who is kind, uplifting, and willing to mentor you as both a scholar and a person. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or admit you don’t know something. Take care of yourself – you can’t pour from an empty cup!

What are three fun facts about yourself?

1. I moved 9 times before I graduated from high school (Air Force brat)
2. I got scuba certified in college and try to go as often as possible. 
3. Last year, I adopted a cat who turned out to be a dog (plays fetch, greets us at the door, loves belly rubs)