Rollins Professor: Lauren McCullough

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

Tell us where you went to school:

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

What are your primary research interests?

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

What did you do this past summer?

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

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

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

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

What is your favorite part about being at Emory?

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

Do you have any advice for MPH students?

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

What are three fun facts about yourself?

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