#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.