#InsideAPE: Joel Espinoza and the New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

Meet Joel Espinoza! He is a second-year student on track to obtain a Master of Science in Public Health in Epidemiology. Joel is using his time at Rollins to obtain two certificates, one in Infectious Disease Epidemiology and the other in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). In addition, he shares his experience working in local government in New York City and his second APE with us.

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

I graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology and Public Health. 

What are your primary research interests?

I’m primarily interested in infectious disease surveillance, dynamics, and analysis, mainly sexually transmitted infections (STIs), enteric illnesses, and multi-drug resistant organisms.

Tell us about your APE project.

I have two! The first is a paid position with the New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). I was initially recruited to assess the severity of Hepatitis C Virus-related outcomes (cirrhosis, liver transplantation, cancer, etc.) from 2001 to 2019 in New York City; however, my tasks have expanded to generating reports and handling data requests for clinics throughout the city. I also provide analytical support as it relates to the new Monkeypox outbreak.

My second APE is tied to my thesis, where I work with GOJO Industries, which is the maker of Purell. I am creating a database to assess the efficacy of alcohol-based sanitizers versus traditional handwashing in reducing the microbial load on hands among varying age groups and geographies.

How did you find your APE project?

I started with random internet searches around large cities because I knew I wanted local government experience. I had found the Epi Scholars program with the DOHMH on my own, and I started working on the application about a month before I noticed that Rollins had shared it in the newsletter.

When did you start looking for an APE? When did you start working for your APE organization?

I started looking for APEs around late October/November, but I didn’t officially start with DOHMH until June! To be fair, there was a very long application process for this program, and I hadn’t confirmed my position until about mid-April.

Are you pursuing/interested in any certificates? If so, was it difficult to meet your APE requirements?

Yes! Luckily, the Infectious Disease Epidemiology and WASH certificates complement each other well, despite “double-dipping” being prohibited. I had to do two APEs because the Epi Scholars Program/Project was/is not WASH-related. Since my thesis was, I worked with GOJO Industries and my thesis advisor to create another APE that would benefit both GOJO and my academic career.

What has the experience been like so far?

I’d say I really hit the ground running with my current position. Local governments, especially large ones like New York City, are constantly changing and restructuring. This coincidentally left the current bureau I work in with only one data analyst, so they’ve put me to work! I have had some opportunities to network, but many people still operate remotely due to the pandemic. Luckily, I have received an offer to take on a remote contract position as a Research Specialist to continue to assist the department as needed.

Any advice for people looking for an APE?

The most sage advice I received was from Dr. Scott Fridkin: He encouraged me not to pick an APE just because it was “available,” alluding to my current work with the Georgia Emerging Infections Program. He made me realize that the APE serves to expand on our skills and experiences that we haven’t yet had the opportunity to gain within our first year. It gave me the courage to stick it out through the waiting period to hear back instead of settling for another option.

How have you been spending your free time this summer? Anything interesting you’re doing?

I’ve been exploring New York City! My jobs allow me to work remotely at times, so I also try to turn that into opportunities to explore new coffee shops.

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

1. I’ve been a dancer for over eight years.
2. I can make balloon animals.
3. My favorite flavor is anything s’more related . . . with maple as a close second.

Thanks for talking with us, Joel! Tune in next week to see who we speak to next!

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Dannelle Charles!

Meet Dannelle Charles! She is a first-year MPH Candidate in the Epidemiology Department and is our second department representative on the Rollins Student Government Association. She’s interested in the health of Black and Indigenous/Latine health. Let’s hear more about her.

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

I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida, in 2022. While there, I obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Public Health.

What are your primary research interests?

My primary research interests are maternal and child health. I want to focus on the Black infant and maternal mortality rate, maternal substance use, and Black & Indigenous/Latine reproductive health. I am also interested in focusing on health disparities and family needs assessment.

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

Currently, I am working on a qualitative project focusing on identifying the barriers to adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) adherence among Black women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. The primary focus is on Black women because of their low adherence rates to AET compared to white women. For this project, we interviewed both patients and providers.

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

My favorite part about earning my degree at Emory thus far is the connections I’ve made with my peers! I appreciate that everyone genuinely wants to help each other out and is rooting for one another. I have noticed that we all have a similar theme in the trajectory that brought us here at Emory; you’ll always feel seen and heard here.

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

At Rollins, I would be mentored by faculty in my niche research interest and be in the public health capital of the world. What really drove me to pick Rollins was the exchange of positive experiences from alums when reflecting on their time in the program, from the courses to faculty to peer-to-peer interactions.

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

Go for it! What’s amazing about this degree and public health is that it’s multidisciplinary, so you’ll still be able to utilize what you’ve learned in these two years, regardless of your chosen career, after earning your MPH.

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

1. I’m a first-generation graduate student.
2. I’m a loud and proud Haitian-American.
3. I have a three-octave range.

Thanks for talking with us, Dannelle! Tune in next week to see who we talk to next!

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Brenda Hardy!

Luckily,we have our very own Associate Director of Academic Programs (ADAP) specifically for it. Our ADAPs are the equivalent of academic advisors at most institutions, and they serve as a great point of contact for questions relating to the department, academic advising, classes, and so much more. Take the opportunity to meet our ADAP, Brenda Hardy! She advises students who are in the Global Epidemiology (GLEPI) Master of Public Health and Master of Science in Public Health programs.

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

I earned all three of my degrees from the University of Albany in New York. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology and a Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) degree in School Counseling.

What were you doing before you came to Rollins?

Right after I graduated, I was an archaeologist for a number of years. Then, when I had my son, I returned to school to earn my Master’s and CAS degrees. I have since been advising in higher education for about 33 years.

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

I had been in higher education for quite a long time. I was moving to Georgia to be near my grandchildren, and the Department of Epidemiology was hiring. When I interviewed and learned more about the job, I knew the department would be a perfect fit for me.

What are you most excited about working with MPH students?

I love seeing them be so successful and so caring. Epidemiology and public health are such wonderful professions, and this is my way of supporting both the field and my students.

What goals do you have when working with new students?

I have a few goals. Most importantly, I want to make sure that my students are okay. I like listening to my students and helping them achieve their goals. I want my students to always feel cared for and understood.

What is your favorite part of being at Emory?

I love so many things. My favorite part of all of it is the people I work with. They make coming to work a joy. I also love doing all I can to help everything go smoothly for everyone on staff, as well as students.

What advice do you have for students?

Be kind. Be kind to others and be kind to yourself. Figure out what is important to you and work towards your goals. Also, know that goals can change and plans can change. Be open to the possibilities.

What is one place in Atlanta that you would recommend people to visit?

My son, daughter-in-law, grandkids and I will often go to IKEA and then the Georgia Aquarium. I am new to the area, and I don’t know a lot of policies. Doing things in Atlanta can be such a drive since I live in Cobb County.

What are you currently reading/watching/listening to?

I read the Matthew Perry biography in two days. I watch a lot of documentaries on TV.

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

1. I love being a grandma more than anything.
2. I made my son’s and daughter-in-law’s wedding cake.
3. I loved doing archaeology and working at the New York State Museum.

Thanks for talking with us, Brenda! We’re happy to have you in the Emory EPI family.

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Frad Barry!

Farah sadly left the EPI department to join the Emory Global Health Institute; however, we happily welcomed a new Associate Director of Academic Programs (ADAP) just last month. Our ADAPs are the equivalent of academic advisors at most institutions, and they serve as a great point of contact for questions relating to the department, academic advising, classes, and so much more. Take the opportunity to meet our new ADAP, Frad Barry!

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

I attended Mississippi State University (Hail STATE!). I obtained both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from there. My Bachelor of Science degree is in Biological Sciences, and my master’s was in Health Promotion.

What were you doing before you came to Rollins?

I worked with Undergraduate Admissions for Emory, specifically Emory’s Oxford Campus. Before that, I also worked as a Residence Life Coordinator with the Oxford Campus.

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

I wanted to become an ADAP because it allowed me to combine my work experiences with my educational background. I enjoy student development and being a part of their college journey. Student affairs work is so impactful, and sometimes it gets lost in college discussions.

What are you most excited about working with MPH students?

What excites me most is being able to help students! I get to develop these individual relationships and guide students in their academic journey.

What goals do you have when working with new students?

One goal that I have is to help students find their space within whatever community they want to be a part of, whether it be professionally or personally.

What is your favorite part of being at Emory?

My favorite part of being at Emory is the community, the network, and the supportive environment that Emory has. Relationship building is a key component of what I look for within my work environment, and Emory meets all of those needs.

What advice do you have for students?

I have two pieces of advice for students. The first is to be present and enjoy your life to its fullest. The second is to always advocate for your worth and passions.

What is one place in Atlanta that you would recommend people to visit?

There are a lot of fun things to do in Atlanta. High-Frequency Friday at the High Museum is a vibe! I’e recommend eating at The Nook, which is near Piedmont Park, and exploring Old Fourth Ward, too.

What are you currently reading/watching/listening to?

I’m currently watching a few shows, like Harlem, How to Get Away with Murder, and Top Chef. I’ve also been listening to a lot of Nick Hakim and Beyoncé’s Renaissance (on repeat). I’m always open to any podcast suggestions if anyone has any.

Thanks for talking with us, Frad! We’re happy to have you join the Emory EPI family.

#InsideAPE: Michaela Bonnett and the Emory Autism Center

Meet Michaela Bonnett! She is a second-year MPH Candidate in Global Epidemiology with a research interest in developmental disabilities and delays in lower- and middle-income countries and underserved populations. Michaela takes us inside her APE to share her experience working with the Emory Autism Center.

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

I got my Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

What are your primary research interests?

I am interested in developmental disabilities and delays, particularly autism. I especially want to focus on the detection and healthcare infrastructure associated with these concerns in low- and middle-income countries and underserved populations.

Tell us about your APE project.

I designed and conducted a brief study, which I submitted for IRB approval, focused on identifying sources of disparity in accessing and utilizing autism diagnostic and supportive services among children in Metro Atlanta. The study centered around a series of qualitative expert interviews with experienced daycare directors representing Atlanta’s diverse regions and population. My APE will culminate with a report of our findings that will be used as groundwork for more extensive future studies with the Emory Autism Center.

How did you find your APE project?

I conducted a series of informational interviews with Emory faculty, describing my research interests and goals. A very helpful professor put me in contact with the director of Emory Autism Center, and I worked together with him to design my APE from the ground up.

When did you start looking for an APE? When did you start working for your APE organization?

I started looking for my APE in December, at the end of my first semester. I started designing my APE with the Emory Autism Center in March of my second semester.

Are you pursuing/interested in any certificates? If so, was it difficult to meet your APE requirements?

I’m not pursuing a certificate; however, finding an APE that met my interests while meeting the global health requirement was challenging. I was lucky enough to discover that focusing on an underserved domestic population is also a way to meet the global health requirement that the EPI department has for GLEPI students.

What has the experience been like so far?

It has been great having hands-on research experience that has let me connect with the community. Still, I also get the unique experience of being a primary investigator on a study from start to finish. There have been frustrating moments, and I’ve had multiple setbacks, but I’ve also gained some really valuable mentors. Encompassing everything, the experience has been worth it!

Any advice for people looking for an APE?

It’s never too early to start looking but don’t panic if you don’t find something even after you’ve been looking for a while. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box if you want to do something really unique.

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

1. I’ve lived on 3 continents, and I hope to get that number even higher.
2. I love baking, especially desserts. I always make enough to share!
3. I’m a Nebraskan, and I somehow miss the Midwest.

Thanks for sharing your APE experience with us, Michaela! Come back next week to see the next student who we feature!

#InsideAPE: Noah Mancuso and Coptic Hope Center for Infectious Diseases

Meet Noah Mancuso! Noah is a second-year student on track to obtain a Master of Science in Public Health in Global Epidemiology. His primary research interest is HIV treatment and prevention. For his APE, Noah is working with one of our faculty members in Kenya!

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

I studied both Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Global Health at Duke University as part of the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program.

What are your primary research interests?

I’m interested in studying infectious diseases, specifically HIV treatment and prevention.

Tell us about your APE project.

I am working with Dr. Michael Chung and the Treatment, Research, and Expert Education (TREE) Program at the Coptic Hope Center for Infectious Diseases in Nairobi, Kenya. We are looking at cervical cancer recurrence among a large cohort of women living with HIV. My job is to help inventory biospecimens in the lab, to link them to patient electronic medical records, and to create an epi database for analysis.

How did you find your APE project?

Dr. Chung was a guest judge at the Global Health Case Competition I competed in, and his feedback/knowledge was super helpful. I then saw him listed as a faculty member attending the Epi Interactions event that the department hosted, and I decided to ask him more about his work.

When did you start looking for an APE? When did you start working for your APE organization?

I started looking for my APE over winter break and into the spring semester. I did not secure it until March. I started working on my APE in Atlanta in May, and I arrived in Kenya in June.

Are you pursuing/interested in any certificates? If so, was it difficult to meet your APE requirements?

I am doing the infectious disease epidemiology certificate, which is available for people across different departments to do. Since I am working with women living with HIV, it was not difficult to meet the certificate APE requirements.

What has the experience been like so far?

The experience has been great so far! The transition to Nairobi was very easy. My colleagues have been very welcoming of me and easy to work with, and there has been lots to explore and discover.

Any advice for people looking for an APE?

Don’t be afraid to ask your professors AND classmates if they know of any opportunities or faculty working in your field of interest. And don’t stress if everyone else around you appears to have their APE already figured out. 🙂

If you’re interested in working internationally, I’d also highly recommend looking into the Global Field Experience (GFE) Financial Award early on in your APE search, so that you can be prepared to apply for funding.

How have you been spending your free time this summer? Anything interesting that you’re doing?

So far, I have been able to do a lot of hiking and camping around Kenya, which has been super cool! I also connected with the Jump Rope Association of Kenya and have been jumping with local teams at their practices and community performances around Nairobi.

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

1. I am a professional jump rope athlete.
2. I love to cook for friends.
3. My cat, Penelope, is cuter than yours.

Thanks for talking with us, Noah! Tune in next week to see who we speak to next!

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Franchesca Amor Aguilar!

Meet Franchesca Amor Aguilar! She is a first-year MPH Candidate in Epidemiology and one of the department representatives for the Rollins Student Government Association. Let’s meet her!

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

I received my Bachelor of Science in Biology from Gettysburg College in May 2022. While there, I also got a minor in East Asian Studies on the Chinese track.

What are your primary research interests?

My primary research interests are infectious disease epidemiology, vaccine epidemiology, outbreak response, and health inequities. However, I am still discovering new research interests!

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

I’m currently working with the RECOVER Project under the Emory Health Services Research Center, an NIH-funded project focusing on understanding long COVID. I currently help organize and clean the data collected through REDCap from the five healthcare sites working with the Atlanta hub. (This project has several different hubs throughout the country!) In February, I will be working on a study with the CDC focusing on strategies to prevent respiratory illnesses among people who experience homelessness.

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

I love how supportive everyone at Rollins is! I never feel like I have to “compete” with my classmates because we’re all willing to share information and knowledge. It really resembles the collaborative nature of the public health field!

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

I picked Rollins because of the friendly atmosphere here. I didn’t think a graduate school campus could feel so welcoming. I also loved the connections that RSPH has with other public health organizations because I knew that meant I could gain different work experience.

How have you been spending your free time?

Lately, I’ve been listening to audiobooks and learning Spanish. I’m currently listening to Anxious People by Fredrik Backman. (I just recently discovered it is also a Netflix series!)

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

If you’re even remotely interested in getting your MPH, just do it because you can learn so much about a little bit of everything! Ask questions, attend faculty/student panels, and visit the campus!

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

1. I was the best female player at my undergrad’s e-sports competition in a Super Smash Bros tournament and finished top 10 overall!
2. I was born and raised in Hawai’i, so I know a little Hawaiian and can speak Hawaiian Pidgin!
3. I love to sing! I performed twice at my undergrad’s cultural talent show, once in English and once in Tagalog.

Thanks for talking with us, Franchesca! We loved getting to talk to you, and stay tuned to see who we’ll speak to next!

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Cameron Goetgeluck!

Meet Cameron Goetgeluck! Cameron is a first-year MPH Candidate in Environmental Health & Epidemiology! Let’s see why he decided to come to Rollins!

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

I attended the University of South Florida, majoring in Cell & Molecular Biology and minoring in Emergency Management.

What are your primary research interests?

I am interested in the environment’s role in disease transmission, and I would like to use that intersection to aid in outbreak investigations and study how disease strains evolve over time using epi-phylogenetics to inform control measures. I am also interested in emerging infectious diseases and exploring how exposure to toxicants can facilitate disease manifestation.

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

I am working with an Environmental Health professor–Dr. Mike Caudle–on how toxicants can impact nerve development. I am also working on a project focused on defining risk perception and the disparate impacts that hurricanes in South Florida can have.

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

My favorite part about being at Rollins is being able to engage with world-class faculty that offer countless opportunities for students to participate and learn from. I also get to be part of a diverse cohort!

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

1. I have a twin.
2. I’ve both cliff jumped and hang glided before.
3. Thanks to TicketMaster, I waited in lines for hours to get tickets to a Taylor Swift concert.

Thanks for talking with us, Cameron! Tune in next week to see who we talk to next!

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Sofia Oviedo!

Meet Sofia Oviedo! She is a second-year MPH Candidate in the Epidemiology program. She joined our department from Texas A&M University and shared with us some of her experiences here at Rollins. Read more below!

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

I graduated in May 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Texas A&M University.

What are your primary research interests?

My primary research interests are health services research, social epidemiology, chronic diseases, and health inequities. Systemic issues that affect social determinants of health play a significant role in access to quality and affordable healthcare in the United States, so I’m particularly interested in identifying barriers among those who need routine care.

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

Yes! I’m working with the American Cancer Society on a project examining the association between Medicaid expansion and changes in employment among cancer survivors. I am also working with Emory School of Medicine’s Health Services Research Center on a pilot grant looking at the impact of an electronic referral system for patients needing a kidney transplant on decreasing barriers to transplant.

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

The collaborative environment! The students and the faculty are so supportive and want to see you succeed. Faculty are very open to talking about your interests and connecting you with other faculty if they–for whatever reason–can’t help you, and students are supportive of one another.

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

I was looking for a school with a supportive, non-competitive environment that fit my research interests that was also in proximity to public health organizations where I could gain work experience. Rollins checked all the boxes.

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

I really enjoyed EPI 543 (Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology), taught by Dr. Amit Shah. I loved hearing researchers present their work on cardiovascular disease, and it was great to realize that there are so many diverse topics related to cardiovascular disease and public health.

How have you been spending your free time?

When the leaves were changing colors, I loved to go to Lullwater Preserve near campus to walk and see the different colors of the trees.

What is one place that you would recommend people visit (hiking location, restaurant, coffee shop, museum, neighborhood, etc.)?

Little Bangkok on Cheshire Bridge Rd has outstanding Thai and Chinese food! 10/10 recommend

What advice do you have for 1st years?

Keep your mind open to new topics and take classes in unfamiliar areas. You may find that you’re interested in them!

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

1. I love to read science fiction and fantasy books.
2. My favorite sports team is the Houston Rockets.
3. I love to listen to music and make playlists.

Thanks for talking to us, Sofia! Please tune in next week to see who we talk to next!

#InsideAPE: Meet Kayleigh Nerhood!

Meet Kayleigh Nerhood! She is a second-year MPH Candidate in Global Epidemiology who worked with a resettled refugee community in Clarkston, Georgia. Let’s hear about how she got her APE and some advice she has for students.

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

I got my Bachelor of Science in Biology at Marshall University in West Virginia.

What are your primary research interests?

My primary research interests are infectious disease epidemiology, especially respiratory diseases. I also have a research interest in outbreak and emergency preparedness and response.

Tell us about your APE project.

I am working on a qualitative research study through the Emory Global Health Insitute (EGHI) Field Scholars Award Program that aims to understand the state of disaster preparedness of the resettled refugee community in Clarkston, Georgia. This summer, we did interviews with a variety of community organizations and leaders. We are now working on analyzing these interviews to share our findings with the community.

How did you find your APE project?

I attended the EGHI Field Scholars Award Networking Night last fall, where I learned about the project. I emailed the primary investigator right after the event to express my interest, had an interview, and was invited to join the team!

When did you start looking for an APE? When did your start working for your APE organization?

I started looking for an APE in about November last year and began working on my APE that December. I started so quickly because we needed to prepare for the EGHI Field Scholars Award application that was due early in the spring semester.

Are you pursuing/interested in any certificates? If so, was it difficult to meet your APE requirements?

I am pursuing the Complex Humanitarian Emergencies Certificate. I was fortunate that my project aligned well with the certificate APE requirements, so it was not difficult to get my APE approved.

What has the experience been like so far?

It has been a great experience! I have learned so much about all the steps involved in designing and carrying out a research study. I have also been able to add qualitative research skills to my quantitative skills from epidemiology and biostatistics courses. It’s also been amazing to get to know the other students on my team, and I’ll always be thankful to my APE for bringing me these friendships!

How have you been spending your free time this summer? Anything interesting you’re doing?

My family took our two dogs to the beach this summer, the first time for both of them! They loved running around in the sand and playing in the waves.

Any advice for people looking for an APE?

Attend networking events! It’s a great way to learn about many exciting projects and research and see if you may enjoy working with the teams!

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

1. I was born in Atlanta, but I hadn’t lived here before since I was a year old.
2. In my free time, I love to crochet.
3. To destress, I attend group fitness classes at Emory’s gym. The instructors and classes are fantastic. Go check them out!

Thanks for talking with us, Kayleigh! Tune in next week to see who we talk to next.