#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Mel Mengesha

Meet Mel Mengesha! Mel is a second-year Global Epidemiology MPH candidate with interests in maternal and child health. She is specifically interested in increasing access to antenatal and postnatal care in low and middle income countries and reducing Black maternal mortality in the United States. Learn more about Mel and what factors drove her to Rollins below!

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

I attended the George Washington University in Washington, DC where I studied international affairs with a concentration in global public health.

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

I work at CARE USA as an impact measurement and analysis intern. In this capacity, I primarily support data analysis and the production of data visualization dashboards for CARE’s technical, regional, and/or member office teams. I have also been involved with the development of evaluation tools for programs aiming to address gender based violence, sexual and reproductive health, and WASH in Northern Nigeria. For my thesis, I am focusing on factors that predict antimicrobial resistance of neonatal sepsis in Ethiopia. 

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

When applying, I was looking for a program where I can combine global health and epidemiology. Only a handful of schools in the nation offer a degree in global EPI so that narrowed it down for me and the Maternal and Child Health certificate was the perfect add-on to ultimately provide me with training in all my areas of interest. Lastly, being in a city where I can pursue opportunities at leading public health organizations was important to me so all of that ultimately led me to Emory!

Do you have any other tips for prospective public health students?

Tip: Connect with current students and/or alumni of the programs you are interested in and ask them about their experiences.

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

I love the connectedness and reputation of Emory around the Atlanta area. This has allowed me to take on a number of opportunities during my time at RSPH.

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

EPI 534 Statistical Programming! This class added two new statistical software to my toolkit. Though the concepts were new to me, it was taught in a manner that was easy to follow because Professor Nicole Luisi is AMAZING. I’ll be hanging onto my notes from that class for a long long time.

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

Step outside of your comfort zone! As opportunities present themselves, give it a try even if it is something that does not directly align with your research interests. You might discover a new passion or interest!

How have you been spending your free time? 

I enjoy exploring new restaurants in and around the Atlanta area and spending time with friends. My favorite podcast right now is Natal!

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

1. I was born and raised in Ethiopia and visited for the first time in 15 years just before the pandemic.
2. I’ve called Atlanta home for the past 17 years now.
3. Adele is one of my favorite artists EVER. One of my life’s goals is to see her live in concert!

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

Breakfast at Barney’s is great place for brunch but prepare for SUPER long wait times. Visit Amicola Falls and Brasstown Bald in North Georgia!

It was great to get to know you, Mel! Stay tuned for another #WeAreEmoryEPI next Monday on The Confounder!

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Brady Bennett

Meet Brady Bennett! Brady is a second-year doctoral student interested in the intersection of infectious disease and social epidemiology. He is specifically interested in the socio-political and socio-demographic factors that place persons at higher risk of HIV infection and morbidity and mortality due to HIV. To learn more about Brady, his current projects, and what drove him to Rollins, continue reading below!

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

I completed my BS in Biochemistry at Berry College in Rome, GA (2010) followed by my MPH in Global Health and Epidemiology at Brown University in Providence, RI (2015).

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

I’m currently working on a very interesting project looking at disparities in PrEP uptake among women in the United States and another project researching SARS-CoV-2 vaccine uptake among veterans receiving care at the VA.

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

When applying for doctoral programs I was really interested in schools that would couple faculty with experience and research in my area of interest with the requisite courses and reputation to help me meet my goals. Rollins has all of these – my advisors are top of their field and are incredible mentors; the courses are challenging but are teaching me the skills I need; and the school is now #4 in the nation and respected world-wide!

What advice do you have for prospective doctoral students?

Talk to potential advisors/faculty mentors as well as current students. The faculty can give you a good idea of how your research interests line up with theirs, the available data/resources, etc, and the students can give you an honest idea of the department culture, living in the institution’s city, etc.

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

My cohort! They are some of the kindest, hardest working people I have ever met and I feel so fortunate to get to do my PhD alongside them!

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

Spatial Epi (EPI 563) with Dr. Michael Kramer. First, he is just a fantastic professor, but the content was also super interesting. I’ve always loved the idea of “visualizing” public health, but that course taught me so much about how to do that, when it is important to, and how to incorporate it into my analyses.

How have you been spending your free time?

With the free time I have, I generally run, read, watch true crime shows with my wife, listen to podcasts, visit local coffee shops/breweries. 

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

I can’t pick one! I’d visit any of the local breweries if that’s your thing (personal favorite is Three Taverns), Perc Coffee, Brash Coffee, Refuge Coffee, Botanical Gardens, High Museum…too many to list!

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

1. I run way too much (I’ve run races from 400m (HS) – 50 miles (2014) and am completing my 5th marathon on 11/14!)
2. I once drove from Atlanta to Seattle living only on bagels and peanut butter
3. I’ve run on 4 different continents so far and hope to complete all 7 one day

Thanks for talking with us, Brady! The Confounder team is wishing everyone a great spring semester. Tune in next Monday for another feature of #WeAreEmoryEPI.

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Dr. Jodie Guest

Meet Dr. Jodie Guest! Dr. Guest is a Research Professor in our Department whose work focuses on inequities in access to care among those living with HIV, uptake of PrEP among women, and COVID-19 work. In this feature, we learn more about Dr. Guest, her current projects, and advice for first-year students. Read more below!

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

I went to Baylor University for my undergrad degree (communication disorders) and concurrently received my paramedic degree from Texas A&M. I received my MPH and my doctorate from Emory University.

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

I began my career working on when and how to treat those living with HIV. I have always been drawn to stigmas associated with HIV and love working in this area now. My COVID-19 work has come out of the work I have down with the Outbreak Response Team since April 2020.

Are there any exciting manuscripts or projects that you are currently working on?

We just began partnering with Fair Count to provide vaccinations and vaccine conversations in communities with low vaccine uptake. It is incredible to work with this organization! I have a women’s PrEP grant under review and am excited about the potential there. I am also working on the 2022 COVID-19 Prevention Protocol for the Iditarod Race.

What is your favorite part about being at Emory?

The students.

What advice do you have for MPH students?

Do not worry about your thesis your first semester!

How have you been spending your free time? 

My days have been pretty long in the pandemic. I started walking/running every day to get outside and use that time to listen to books on tape.

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

Your Dekalb Farmer’s Market

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

1. EPI 530 was the class that made me fall in love with Epidemiology. It is so thrilling now to be able to teach that class.
2. I tell my dogs goodbye every time I leave the house.
3. I love to go to a local farmers market on Saturday morning and cook dinner for friends using only the ingredients I find at the market that day.

Thanks for talking with us, Dr. Guest. The Confounder team will be taking a break and will resume our regular schedule on January 10th. We are wishing everyone a good luck on their finals and a safe winter holiday!

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Maria Garcia Quesada

Meet Maria Garcia Quesada! Maria is a first-year PhD student with research interests in infectious disease epidemiology, vaccines, and their intersection with climate change, as well as water & sanitation issues. In this feature, Maria talks about her most recent projects, why she chose Rollins, and some fun facts about her. Read more below!

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

I completed my BS in Public Health and Neuroscience at Tulane University and my MSPH in Global Disease Epidemiology and Control at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

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

I am wrapping up two projects I was working on at Johns Hopkins, one evaluating the global impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines and the other looking to understand the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 among children <5 years of age and their household members.

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

I was looking for a good research match in a place I would enjoy living. During the interview process I had the opportunity to speak with several faculty who are working on really exciting projects, as well as with several students who sold me on living in Atlanta. As an ID person, I was also attracted to the proximity to the CDC.

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

I’m only a couple of months in, but I’ve loved being back in classes, getting to know my cohort, and eating my way through Buford Highway.

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

1. I am fluent in Spanish and French
2. I play capoeira (Afro-Brazilian martial art)
3. I will eat almost anything except olives.

Thanks for speaking with us, Maria! Stay tuned next Monday for another feature of #WeAreEmoryEPI!

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Paige Gugerty

Meet Paige Gugerty! Paige is a second-year Epidemiology MPH candidate interested in the intersection of substance use and infectious disease epidemiology, as well as outbreak investigation and response. To learn more about Paige, her current projects with the CDC, and why she chose Rollins, continue reading below!

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

I graduated from the University of Delaware with a B.S. in Organizational and Community Leadership and a minor in Public Health. It was there that I first became interested in public health as a research assistant looking at health disparities and the social determinants of health with Dr. Erin Knight.

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

Earlier this semester, I wrapped up leading a team of contact tracers and case investigators in the Northwest Health District at the Georgia Department of Public Health. I am gearing up to go back to work with my group in the CDC’s Division of HIV Prevention on REAL – we typically work on guidelines related to HIV testing. I am also currently writing my thesis on syringe services programs in Appalachia Kentucky with Dr. Hannah Cooper.

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

I had a really hard time choosing between Rollins and another MPH program in the Northeast but I am so happy that I ultimately came to Rollins. I chose Rollins for the traditional MPH program format, rigorous academics, warm and collegial atmosphere, setting in Atlanta, and proximity to CDC.

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

Where do I begin? The people, the culture and collegiality, the courses and projects, and the connections to CDC are the things that stand out most for me.

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

I’ve really enjoyed Case Studies in Infectious Disease EPI (EPI 517), Introduction to GIS (INFO 530), and am currently taking EPI of Foodborne and Diarrheal Disease (EPI 544) which I also recommend.

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

I wish I had taken a few more hard skills-based courses my first year, so definitely look into that if you are interested in taking some of the advanced electives in the future.

How have you been spending your free time?

I like to walk on the Beltline and explore nearby parks, as well as workout at the gym when I can. I enjoy listening to podcasts (i.e. The Daily, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Shiny Epi People, This Podcast Will Kill You, MMWR History, etc.) in the background and highly recommend Dopesick on Hulu, which examines the opioid epidemic from many different angles and is based on the book by Beth Macy.

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

1. I love spending time with my cat, Winnie, especially when I am studying or working from home.
2. I did a lot of backpacking and hiking during high school and college, including treks in the Sierra Nevada, Adirondacks, parts of the Appalachian Trail, and the Kepler Track in New Zealand.
3. I started the MPH program in 2019, took a gap year last year to work at DPH, and now that I am back, am still trying to meet folks as most of my friends from RSPH have either graduated or are 1st year PhD students.

Thanks for talking with us, Paige! Tune in next Monday for another feature of #WeAreEmoryEPI. 

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Dr. Liz Rogawski McQuade

Meet Dr. Liz Rogawski McQuade! Dr. Rogawski McQuade is an Assistant Professor in our Department of Epidemiology with research interests in pediatric enteric disease in low-resource settings. In this feature, she talks about her research, advice for MPH students, and some fun facts about her. Read more below.

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

I went to Emory for my undergraduate degree with majors in Biology and Chemistry. I received an MSPH and PhD in Epidemiology from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in infectious disease epidemiology at the University of Virginia.

What are your primary research interests?

My research interests are in pediatric enteric disease in low-resource settings. Specifically, I focus on the complex interactions between early childhood diarrhea, enteric infections, environmental enteropathy, antibiotic use, and their effects on child health and development. I am also interested in better understanding the impact of vaccines and other interventions for enteric diseases and apply causal inference-based methods to generate epidemiologic evidence that is relevant to public health interventions.

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

My current work has grown out of strong collaborations with colleagues at international institutions including the Haydom Global Health Research Centre in Haydom, Tanzania and icddr,b in Dhaka, Bangladesh, as well as through collaborations with research consortia conducting large multisite studies of enteric disease. My current research builds on previous work to characterize the foundational epidemiology of enteric infections to focus on environmental and vaccine interventions in low-resource settings.

Are there any exciting manuscripts or projects that you are currently working on?

I am very excited to launch two upcoming field studies that I am a co-investigator on: Enterics for Global Health (EFGH) which aims to estimate the incidence and consequences of shigellosis among children in low-resource settings in preparation for Shigella vaccine trials, and the Shigella and Campylobacter Transmission (SCAT) study which aims to understand the sources and routes of transmission of these two pathogens in Haydom and Dhaka using molecular diagnostics and a systems-dynamic modeling approach.

What is your favorite part about being at Emory?

I love being surrounded by incredibly bright and diverse epidemiologists (including students!) who challenge me to do better research, use more innovative methods, and make a larger impact.

What advice do you have for MPH students?

Public health is an incredibly diverse field, but many of the methods and tools used in epidemiology are broadly applicable across topic areas. I suggest that students focus on honing their methodological skills, which will serve them well in whatever specific field they choose or direction their career goes.

How have you been spending your free time?

Playing with my 15 month old son, Simon!

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

We just moved to Decatur, but are loving Hawk Hollow, a tiny gem of a park near our house.

What are some fun facts that you want your students to know about you? 

I am a huge tea drinker and my husband owns a small tea company, so I have a steady supply. I love hiking and being outdoors, reading, and yoga.

Thank you for talking with us, Dr. Rogawski McQuade! We hope everyone has a fun and safe break this week. Tune in next Monday for another feature of #WeAreEmoryEPI. 

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Nafis Khan

Meet Nafis Khan! Nafis is a second-year Epidemiology MPH candidate interested in Maternal and Child Health and chronic health surveillance. In this feature, Nafis talks about his project with the CDC, his favorite class at Rollins, and a must-see hiking spot! Read more below.  

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

I graduated from undergrad in 2018 with a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Penn State University.

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

I am currently working on a project to modernize data visualization for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Early Hearing Detection and Intervention team. I like this project because I get to use my creative side to help communicate research findings in an easily digestible and visually appealing way.

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

Faculty that was participating in interesting research that I would be able to involve myself in. Given Emory’s proximity to so many public health institutions, it wasn’t a hard decision.

Do you have any other tips for prospective public health students?

You don’t have to know what you want to do after you graduate but meeting people and asking questions definitely helps.

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

The strong connection among the student body and with the professors. Starting school in a pandemic would have been way more difficult if not for all of the people I have met while at Emory.

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

One of the more interesting electives I have taken was INFO 530. It is a GIS class that is only a half semester. It is not too long but the subject matter is really interesting and applicable to many public health studies.

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

Get to know your professors and classmates beyond the classroom. It helps to build relationships beyond work.

How have you been navigating the work (& learn) from home experience during the COVID-19 outbreak?

I normally try to break my day up so I’m not staring at a screen 24/7. Getting outside for some fresh air and trying to eat a bit healthier has been a great help.

How have you been spending your free time?

I normally like to spend my time cooking, eating, or being outdoors. I like to be active but I also like to not be hungry.

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

If you like hiking, Arabia Mountain is close to Atlanta and a very cool place.

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

1. That I don’t have many fun facts.
2. I’m really good at whistling.
3. *Please see #1.

Thanks for talking with us, Nafis! Stay tuned next Monday to see who we feature next on #WeAreEmoryEPI.

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Lisa Chung

Meet Lisa Chung! Lisa Chung is a first-year PhD student interested in studying the intersection of infectious diseases and social epidemiology, particularly on health disparities in ID prevention by vaccination. In this feature, we talk about Lisa’s current project, what drove her to Rollins, and an audiobook she is currently listening to! Read more below. 

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

I received BS in Physiology from Seattle Pacific University and MPH in Epidemiology from Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University.

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

I’m working with Dr. Cecile Janssens on her book project collecting additional supporting references. But, mostly, I’m focusing on building a healthy & long-term routine/habit this semester before starting any other projects and prioritizing mental health!

What advice do you have for prospective doctoral students?

Do your research and connect with potential advisors *and* current PhD students before applying!

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

Research interest and compatibility with a potential advisor is an important factor that had a huge weight on my decision making process. But, another that was very important to me was being in a collaborative, collegial, and supportive environment with faculty, staff, and other students.

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

More than half of my time during MPH was virtual at Emory. So, it’s been so great being able to meet faculty, staff, and other students in-person albeit nervously at first being in a room full of other people. I’m thankful that we get to safely learn from the same physical space!

How have you been spending your free time?

I’ve been going on long walks with my dog, Atticus, and listening to audiobooks. Summer in between programs was a great time catching up on reading (by listening). I’m currently listening to Hood Feminism and would strongly recommend it.

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

I love visiting art museums in new cities, so High Art Museum was one of the first places I visited when I moved here. They have an amazing collection and have monthly events that I’m hoping to go at some point (when safe)!

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

1. I have too many (or is there such?) photos of my dog sleeping on my phone.
2. I’m cooking my way through a cookbook, cover-to-cover! It’s my pandemic hobby, trying to cook dishes that I don’t get to eat out anymore.
3. I have an irrational fear of taking the pit out of an avocado.

It was great getting to know you, Lisa! Tune in every Monday for a new feature on #WeAreEmoryEPI. 

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Gordon Le

Meet Gordon Le! Gordon is a second-year Epidemiology MPH candidate with interests in childhood adversity, trauma, and injury and violence prevention. He also has interests in social determinants of health and spatial epidemiology. Read more about Gordon and his experience at Rollins below!

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

I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychological Science in 2016 at University of California, Irvine.

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

Yes! I am currently working with Dr. Jonathan Rupp, Dr. Tim Moran, and the team at the Injury Prevention Research Center at Emory on a project that aims to prevent adverse childhood experiences in Georgia. The project is being done in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Public Health and assists advancing the state’s Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Plan. I’ve played a primary role in creating the project’s web-based surveillance mapping tool, which intends to help organizations and stakeholders identify data that can be targeted for prevention and intervention in their local communities.

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

I’ve really enjoyed the collaborative environment that Emory fosters.

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

I would say don’t be afraid to talk to faculty members about your interests and whether there are opportunities to work with them. The best advice I ever received was, “The worst thing someone can say to you is ‘No’.”

How have you been spending your free time? 

Tennis – lots of tennis. I play in an intramural league and have loads of fun. We missed the playoffs last season but I am ready for redemption this year!

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

1. I’m originally from San Jose, California
2. I am fluent in Vietnamese
3. I lived in Ann Arbor, Michigan for 3 years prior to coming to Georgia.

Thanks for taking the time to talk with us, Gordon! Stay tuned next Monday to see who we feature next on #WeAreEmoryEPI. 

#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Sahil Jiwani

Meet Sahil Jiwani! Sahil is a second-year Epidemiology MPH candidate with interests in infectious diseases and genetic and molecular epidemiology. In this feature, Sahil talks about his current projects, advice for first-years, and his favorite coffee shops in Atlanta. Read more below!

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

I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in May 2020 with a degree in Public Health and a minor in Business.

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

I am currently working on a project under Dr. Julie Gazmararian and a team at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) looking at trends in COVID-19 infection rates at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) based on their respective COVID-19 return to campus policies. I am also going to be starting a position with the School of Medicine where I will be performing data analyses on clinical trial data.

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

My favorite part about earning my MPH at Emory has to be the immense amount of opportunities to engage in hands-on work as a Graduate Research Assistant. The staff and faculty at Rollins provide students with so many opportunities to engage in ongoing research, or even start new research projects, that meet their interests.

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

Network with your peers and professors. Each student and faculty member has such a fascinating background and it is super cool to hear about all of their past experiences and current work. This is also a great ways for you to find opportunities that meet your interests!

How have you been spending your free time?

In my free time, I really enjoy going on runs around Atlanta. I also enjoy going on hikes, especially in North Georgia. I have also been exploring new food options around the area which has been nothing short of amazing.

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

I really enjoy studying at coffee shops around the city. Some of my favorites include Dancing Goats, Land of a Thousand Hills, Chocolate, and East Pole.

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

1. I love breakfast tacos.
2. I have gone skydiving in Dubai.
3. I was on a Bollywood fusion dance team in undergrad. 

Thanks for talking with us, Sahil! Tune in every Monday for a new feature on #WeAreEmoryEPI.