#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Erin LaFon

Meet Erin LaFon! Erin is one of the epidemiology department’s two student representatives. Erin is a rising second year Epidemiology MPH Candidate with interests in zoonotic and emerging infectious disease. Erin’s role as a student representative gives students the chance to voice their feedback on student life and their experienes at RSPH. We took the opportunity to get to know her, her interests and what she’s doing this summer.

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

I completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology at the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College of Florida Atlantic University in 2018, and then I completed a Master of Science in Veterinary Medicine with a concentration in Veterinary Forensics from the University of Florida in 2021.

What are your primary research interests?

My primary research interests are zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases.

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

I’m looking at the phylogenetics of Powassan Virus for my thesis. I’m also working with Emory’s School of Medicine on a database that looks at “long-hauler” neurologic symptoms as a result of COVID-19 and another project dealing with Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

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

It has definitely been the connections that I’ve made with other students across all the departments.

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

One of the biggest factors for me was the proximity to Florida. My family is there, and being in Georgia allows for me to travel home for holidays easily.

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

EPI 544 (Foodborne and Diarrheal Diseases) was great! It was super interesting to listen to guest lectures and learn about all the different diseases. The course is taught by two CDC employees, and it was really great to hear about their careers.

What advice do you have for 1st years?

Get involved in something. It makes grad school more fun, and it lets you meet more people in other departments.

How have you been spending your free time?

I’ve been spending it reading, hiking and travelling.

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

I definitely recommend making the drive to Tallulah Gorge if you like hiking! It was a great experience!

What are three fun facts that you’d like people to know about you?

1. I have two dogs, two snakes, a leopard gecko, and a bunny that all live in Georgia with me.
2. I lived in St. Kitts and Nevis for a few months.
3. I used to breed ball pythons, leopard geckos, and crested geckos.

Thanks for talking with us, Erin! Tune in next time to meet the next student that we introduce!

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Ellisen Herndon

In this week’s student spotlight, we are talking with Ellisen Herndon, one of the department’s two student representatives. She is a rising second-year MPH candidate, with a focus in research from a social determinant of health perspective. As a representative, she is a great point of contact for students to address theiri concerns with the department. Read more about her interests, her favorite things about Rollins, and catch up on what she’s doing with her summer!

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

I am actually an Emory alumna! I graduated in 2018 with two Bachelors of Science degrees, one in Biology and another in Sociology.

What are your primary research interests?

I am particularly interested in social, cardiometabolic, or genetic/molecular epidemiology research. I am particularly passionate about any research that takes a social determinant of health perspective.

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

I am working with Dr. Shakira Suglia and the SDOH-LIFE Research Group to study how childhood adversity affects cardiometabolic measures in a young adult Puerto Rican cohort. In addition, I am currently completing my APE with the Georgia Department of Public Health, updating community health assessments for the West Central Health District and investigating racial disparities in health outcomes for the region.

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

I have to say EPI 530 (Epidemiologic Methods I) has been my favorite course because it served as my first real introduction to epidemiology. It was an excellent foundation for my other classes and was made even better by Dr. Jodie Guest and her enthusiasm!

What advice do you have for first years?

Keep an open mind and take courses that may be out of your comfort zone. You may fall in love with a new topic!

How have you been spending your free time?

Sleeping in as often as possible and taking a ton of walks/hikes.

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

The Westside Reservoir Park is a great place for people to see! It is part of the Atlanta BeltLine project and is located at a beautiful quarry.

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

1. My “guilty pleasure” show is Love Island.
2. I am originally from the metro Atlanta area.
3. All of my plants are named after my favorite TV characters!

Thanks for speaking with us, Ellisen! Tune in next time for our next installment of #WeAreEmoryEpi.

#WeAreEmoryEpi: Meet the 2022-23 Communications Team

This week on #WeAreEmoryEpi, we’re introducing the new communications team for the Epidemiology Department! Erica Schipper is an incoming student in charge of The Confounder. Chisom Okereke will be running our @rollinsepilife on Instagram, and the Twitter account, @EmoryEpi, is run by myself, Tosin Olojo.

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

Erica: I graduated from the College of William & Mary in Virginia this spring! I majored in Kinesiology & Health Sciences with a concentration in Public Health and a minor in math.

Chisom: I went to Johns Hopkins University where I majored in Public Health Studies. I graduated in 2019.

Tosin: I graduated in 2018 from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. I majored in Microbiology and had a minor in Science, Technology & Society.

What are your primary research interests?

Erica: I am most interested in studying chronic disease and social determinants of health at Rollins. 

Chisom: I am interested in infectious disease, primarily in youth populations as well as correctoinal healthcare epidemiology. Juvenile Correctional Healthcare is a major interest of mine as it combines both of my major interests.

Tosin: My primary research interests include infectious disease, specifically in disease surveillance. Surveillance allows us to get a true understanding of a disease and its trends, and it helps to monitor the control, elimination and potential eradication of disease. It can also help to prevent outbreaks.

What is your role on the communications team? What is something new you are looking forward to in regard to your new communications position?

Erica: I will be the Communications Associate, and my role will mostly be to update the Confounder. I am really excited to get started and to start connecting with people within our department.

Chisom: I will be taking on the role of the Social Media Associate. More specifically, I will be running the Instagram page for the Epidemiology Department.

Tosin: I will be a Social Media Associate, working primarily with Twitter. I am excited to help share all the great things people at Rollins are doing.

What are you most excited about for this coming fall semester?

Erica: It will be my first year at Emory, so I’m most excited to get to know the area and become part of the Rollins community.

Chisom: I am excited to continue working on my thesis and to further engage with work that I am deeply passionate about.

Tosin: I’m excited to learn more about topics that I love and to see more of Atlanta!

How have you been spending your summer?

Erica: I’ve been spending the summer living and working in my hometown of Alexandria, Virginia.

Chisom: I went abroad to Jamaica for my APE as a Health through Walls volunteer. I worked, in person, at various correctional facilities across the island to provide healthcare that would strengthen the already-present disease prevention and control protocols. Upon returning to the states, I also have been working remotely to establish a peer-education program within one of the adult facilities.

Tosin: I’m participating in a project with the Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health to investigate the burden of antibiotic resistance among Atlanta residents through wastewater surveillance. I’m also helping to conduct a meta-analysis on gastroenteritis associated with adenovirus, which has been recently associated with severe pediatric hepatitis. I will also be doing some things in my home state of Michigan and doing some travelling over the summer.

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

Erica:

1. I really like crafting hobbies like cross stitching and sewing.
2. I love cooking and baking, and always love trying new recipes from the Food Network. 
3. I’ve lived in the DC area for my whole life, and I am a big Washington Nationals fan.

Chisom:

1. I was born on Christmas.
2. I have a chaotic little dog named Obi. His name actually means “heart” in my native language (Igbo), and it’s not at all Star Wars related.
3. I was a teacher before coming to Rollins.

Tosin:

1. I am a huge sports fan. I actively root for the Yankees, but I genuinely love sports. I will do work with sports as background noise.
2. I love watching movies and TV, but I’ve never seen Harry Potter, Star Wars or Lord of the Rings. I haven’t even watched the Star Wars shows on Disney+, probably won’t watch the Lord of the Rings show, and have only seen one of the Fantastic Beasts movie.
3. I was born at midnight. The nurse asked my mom whether she wanted me to be born January 11th or January 12th. She chose the latter.

Thanks for checking out the latest #WeAreEmoryEpi! We can’t wait to return in the fall, and we can’t wait to share with you our next guest for #WeAreEmoryEpi.

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Daryn Ellison

Meet Daryn Ellison! Daryn is a rising second-year epidemiology MPH candidate with research interests in reproductive health and justice. Specifically, she desires to focus on how social and environmental factors contrribute to health disparities in the health outcomes of underserved women and children.

Read more below!

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

I graduated from the University of Chicago in Spring of 2022 with an Honors B.A. in Psychology and minor in Biological Sciences.

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

I currently work as a graduate researcher in the CDC Emergency Response and Recovery Branch, where I work to create tools for health facilities in low and middle income countries that aim to monitor and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. I also currently serve as Vice President and Communications chair for Emory’s Reproductive Health Association (ERHA). I am excited to start my new position as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Community Engagement Co-chair in the fall.

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

I love that everyone here, both faculty and students, are very passionate about their work as public health professionals. Everyone here is so incredibly approachable, kind, and humble, and it has been a truly inspiring experience.

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

When applying for Rollins, I was looking for a community that allowed me to explore and learn about the many realms of public health while also helping me expand on my incoming interests and experience. In the short time that I have been here, I have been introduced to so many opportunities in and outside of the classroom and RSPH has exposed me to areas of public health that I am now interested in that I previously had no knowledge of.

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

1. I love to cook and bake! I’m starting a cookbook collection.
2. I’m currently learning how to make resin art.
3. I played varsity tennis in college.

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

My advice is don’t let the fear of having limited public health experience or knowledge of certain public health fields hold you back from exploring what Rollins has to offer. Rollins has so many great and unique opportunities to learn and get involved on campus and in Georgia, so really take advantage of that. Also, take the time to get to know people that have similar and different public health interests!

Thanks for sharing your story, Daryn! Stay tuned to The Confounder for our next feature with Diego!

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet the 2021-2022 Communications Team

This week on #WeAreEmoryEPI, as the Communications Team gets ready to pass the torch to a new group of epi students we want to once again highlight the Department of Epidemiology’s current team! Alex Whicker is tasked with The Confounder, Krysta Medearis runs @rollinsepilife on Instagram, and I, Nancy Nguyen, manage @EmoryEpi on Twitter. We responded to a few questions about ourselves, our roles on the team, and what we are looking forward to this coming fall!

Left to right: Alex Whicker – Communications Associate, Krysta Medearis – Social Media Associate (Instagram), Nancy Nguyen – Social Media Associate (Twitter)

What is your role on the communications team and what does a typical work week look like for you?

Alex: I run The Confounder blog and weekly newsletter. My typical work week involves checking and responding to emails regularly, posting news, events and student opportunities to the blog, and updating the weekly newsletter. I also communicate with other people on the communications team and Epi department as needed to share updates with students.

Krysta: My primary role on the communications team will be running the Instagram page. My typical work week consists of staying up to date on current and relevant events that may be beneficial to students. I spend a lot of time in Canva creating content and on the Instagram page staying up to date on other things happening at Emory. 

Nancy: I mainly handle the @EmoryEpi Twitter account! In a typical week, I tweet about events at Rollins and the exciting work that the Epidemiology faculty and students are doing! I also am in charge of writing posts for our #WeAreEmoryEPI series on The Confounder, where I contact a featured student or alumnus and put together the interview piece. 

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

Alex: I studied Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Krysta: I attended undergrad at Alabama State University where I received my B.S. in Biology. 

Nancy: I got my B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

What are your primary research interests?

Alex: My primary research interests are in maternal and child health and LGBTQ health. 

Krysta: My primary research interests include social determinants of health and infectious diseases.

Nancy: My primary research interests include health literacy among immigrant communities, social determinants of health, and cancer epidemiology.

How do you balance your work for the communications team with your other work and academic responsibilities?

Alex: I balance this job with my other responsibilities by doing a little bit of work each day, keeping track of due dates, and lots of multitasking! Scheduling time for me to complete different activities or even take breaks is also helpful.

Krysta: I usually set aside time during the afternoon or evenings to create content to post and stay up to date on important information that should be shared with the department.

Nancy: I try to plan out my days and have designated times when I check the Twitter feed. I also try to have certain tweets written and ready to be tweeted the day before, or plan out what topics I want to talk about for which days. 

What is something you are looking forward to in regards to your new communications position?

Alex: I’m excited to learn more about the different opportunities within the Epi department and build better relationships with faculty and students!

Krysta: I’m definitely looking forward to meeting new people! I think the position will give me a chance to connect with more faculty and peers.

Nancy: I am looking forward to connecting with the Rollins community and showcasing the exciting work that our faculty and students do! 

What are you most excited about for this coming fall semester?

Alex: I’m most excited about going to in-person events and classes!

Krysta: I’m excited to be able to take in-person classes and meet more of my peers across all cohorts. 

Nancy: I am excited to be in person and finally meet my Epi cohort!

Is there any advice you would like to give to our incoming first-years?

Alex: Reach out to any professors you think are interesting, even if it’s just to chat! Most are more than happy to. Also, give yourself time to rest and do fun things. Don’t compare how much you study, how many jobs or extracurriculars you have, or how quickly you find opportunities to other people.

Krysta: I would tell incoming first-years to take advantage of every opportunity they are given and reach out to professors and peers who have the same interests in you.

Nancy: I would say to attend any student events if you have the time. They are great places to connect with the Rollins community.

Thank you for checking out this week’s #WeAreEmoryEPI, we were so excited to share our experiences! Make sure to keep an eye out to see who we speak to next on #WeAreEmoryEPI.

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Mike Mortillo

Meet Mike Mortillo! Mike is an alum of the Department of Epidemiology and graduated from Rollins School of Public Health in 2019. He is currently a third-year doctoral student in Emory’s Genetics and Molecular Biology program. In this feature, we’ll learn more about Mike, what he has gained from RSPH, and his advice for current master’s students. Read more below! 

What year did you graduate from Rollins School of Public Health?

I graduated from RSPH in 2019 with a degree in Epidemiology and a certificate in Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology.

Where do you currently work and what is your role?

I am currently a 3rd year Ph.D. student in Emory’s Genetics and Molecular Biology program. I am in Dr. Carmen Marsit‘s lab, where I study placental epigenetics.

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

I am currently doing a study that looks at how a DNA modification called 5-hydroxymethylcytosine affects gene expression in the placenta. I am also doing a study looking at behavioral deficits in children and young adults who are afflicted with a rare chromosomal deletion called 3q29 deletion.

What advice do you have for current epidemiology students? 

My advice for current epidemiology students is don’t be afraid to reach out to professors (even ones you have never met) for advice. Some of the best guidance I got at Rollins was from professors I didn’t know all that well, but whose research interests aligned with mine. I would simply email them asking to meet to talk about their research, and it proved very beneficial. Don’t be afraid to take those chances to develop networking opportunities!

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

My favorite part about earning my degree at Rollins was all the lasting relationships I developed. I never once felt like another face in the crowd, and I still keep in touch with many faculty members who I know will be more than happy to help me at a moment’s notice. They want to see you succeed as a public health or health science professional, so I encourage you to keep in touch with many of them going forward.

What from the EPI program helps you in your current position?

A lot of the data analysis techniques that I learned in the EPI program have been super helpful in my current position in the lab. Being a fully computational scientist, I am constantly analyzing large datasets and performing genome-wide association studies as well as regression analyses, which are valuable skills I picked up as an EPI student.

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

I would highly recommend the Atlanta History Center. The graduate programs had a gala there in the pre-COVID times and it was so cool! There are so many amazing artifacts and exhibits, I honestly spent more time going through all of them than I did actually attending the party!

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

1. I love baseball! I grew up in New Jersey, so I’m a huge Yankees fan.
2. Aside from my research, I actually really enjoy teaching as well. I have been a TA for two classes in the graduate program, and recently won a teaching award!
3. My dad’s side of the family has relatives in Sicily, Italy, and we have visited them before. It’s always funny to interact because we don’t speak any Italian and they don’t speak any English, but they make SO MUCH FOOD! I gain no less than 10 pounds whenever we go.

Thanks for sharing your story with us, Mike! Interested in sharing our experience with the Confounder community? Email us at confounder [at] emory [dot] edu for more information on how to be featured!

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Baffour Otchere

Meet Baffour Otchere! Baffour is a second-year Epidemiology MPH candidate with research interests in chronic disease, infectious disease, and the intersection between these disease processes. In this feature, we’ll learn more about Baffour, his current projects with Dr. Schechter and Emory’s COVID-19 Outbreak Response Team, and his favorite part about RSPH. Read more below!

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

I received an MBCHB degree from the University of Ghana in 2016.

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

I am working with Dr. Marcos Schechter and a group of really motivated research assistants on a meta-analysis looking at the relationship between climate and the microbiological profile of diabetic foot infections. The second interesting project I am currently on is my thesis which is looking at the relationship between mental stress and cardiac arrhythmias. I am also a member of Emory’s COVID Outbreak Response Team.

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

My favorite part about earning my MPH at Emory is easily working with some of the smartest and most motivated students I have ever met.

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

Network as much as you can and take advantage of the varying opportunities at Rollins and Emory.

How have you been spending your free time?

In my free time, I watch and play soccer. I also recently started collecting sneakers.

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

I occasionally walk up Stone Mountain. I highly recommend it. It has nice hiking trails around the mountain as well.

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

1. I like discovering new music and curating playlists.
2. I have a love-hate relationship with my favorite soccer team, Manchester United.
3. Growing up, I wanted to be a soccer player.

Thanks for chatting with us, Baffour! Stay tuned next week for another feature of #WeAreEmoryEPI on the Confounder.

#WeAreEmoryEPI: McKenzi Thompson

Meet McKenzi Thompson! McKenzi is a first-year Global Epidemiology MPH candidate with research interests in reproductive health and women’s health. She is specifically interested in monitoring maternal morbidity and mortality as well as prematurity and preterm birth. McKenzi is also the Vice President of the Association of Black Public Health Students (ABPHS) and a student representative in the Department of Epidemiology’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee. In this feature, we’ll learn more about McKenzi, her current project, and advice for prospective public health students. Read more below!

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

I pursued my bachelor of science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Mills College in Oakland, California.

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

I am currently a data analyst within the Environmental Health Department investigating pregnancy outcomes resulting from environmental exposures and psychosocial stressors.

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

I was looking for a school that would be supportive of all my endeavors. After discovering the academic and professional opportunities Rollins had to offer, I knew this school would be the best choice for my career/life plan.

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

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

“Everything that is meant to happen will happen.”

“Worry less and dream more.”

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

The best thing about Emory is the people. The professors are passionate about their work and the students are driven and intelligent.

How have you been spending your free time?

Aside from academics and work, I am Vice President of the Association of Black Public Health Students (ABPHS), I am on the Community and Belonging collaborative, and I am the diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) epidemiology student representative in the Department of Epidemiology DEI committee. When I am not actively involved in academics, work, and extracurricular activities, I like to indulge in different culinary experiences in Atlanta.

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

I would recommend visiting the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

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

1. I have hypermobility in my arms and knees
2. I am a certified full-spectrum doula
3. I studied abroad in China for a month

Thanks for sharing your story, McKenzi! Tune in every Monday for another feature of #WeAreEmoryEPI.

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Emi Grill

Meet Emi Grill! Emi is a second-year Epidemiology MPH candidate with research interests in infectious disease, field epidemiology, spatial epidemiology, and social determinants of health. In this feature, we’ll learn about Emi, her experience with Emory’s COVID-19 Outbreak Response Team, and her time as a student at Rollins! Read more below.

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

I have a B.S. in Biology from George Washington University. I graduated in 2018 and worked in a molecular biology lab at GW for 2 years before coming to Emory!

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

I am a member of the Emory COVID-19 Outbreak Response Team led by Dr. Jodie Guest. It is my APE, and I am glad it covers that requirement, but mostly I love the work we are able to do! We have vaccinated hundreds of people, and have had even more vaccine conversations with members of underserved communities in Atlanta and across Georgia. Taking part in our vaccine/testing events, conversations with community members and building relationships with community partners has given me the opportunity to directly apply what I have learned at Emory and to do something I really believe in.

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

The people! Community and connections have been a little unusual due to COVID, but the relationships I have made despite that – with other students, faculty, staff, guest lecturers, and more, have still been strong. I have found everyone incredibly approachable and friendly and I think it speaks to a commitment from the entire Rollins community to build that environment.

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

My favorite elective I have taken is Spatial Epi (EPI 563: Concepts and Applications in Spatial Epidemiology). It’s a challenging course but it’s really well designed and taught. There’s something incredibly satisfying (maybe just to me) about producing a map as part of an analysis, and I learned so much that I have been able to apply in other areas, like my APE. I am hoping to find a job after graduation that allows me to continue to utilize and expand on what I learned in that class!

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

Be open! I’m not saying do something you hate, but don’t be afraid of things that may not align 100% with what you think you want to do. Two years is a short time, but there’s definitely some room to take some classes outside of your concentration/certificate, and you never know what new opportunities or interests you might find!

How have you been spending your free time? 

My friend recommended the Percy Jackson series to me and I’ve been working my way through it! I never read them when I was younger but it’s been the perfect pace for a break from school when I’m walking my dog or cooking.

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

The Atlanta Botanical Garden! It’s good any time but it’s a bonus if they have any sort of event going on. Especially if you’re around in the winter, I highly recommend the “Garden Lights, Holiday Nights” experience. I look forward to it every year!

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

1. I used to be a Segway tour guide in Washington, DC
2. There was a period of about 5 months where I probably spent more time with parasites than people! (COVID + hookworm research = no WFH for me)
3.  Antonio is my favorite Animal Crossing villager

Thanks for sharing your story, Emi! Tune in next week for another #WeAreEmoryEPI feature.