Student Spotlight: Cynthia Jones

Cynthia Jones, 2nd Year MPH Student

I am a graduate research assistant with the Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) support center. In partnership with other organizations, our team conducts operational research activities that address challenges faced by NTD control and elimination programs globally. My responsibilities include managing data from surveys that quantify the presence of helminthic infections – onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, and loiasis – and representing our findings to support and inform ongoing program activities.

At EmoryEPI, I’ve learned: The key to excellent data management is excellent documentation – the truth is always in the details. Much of my job requires extensive attention to detail, and thanks to the professors who require thorough descriptions of code work and study methods, activities such as reproducing data manipulations and performing trace-backs are no problem.

Being part of a team that supports disadvantaged populations around the world through its unique role in the fight against NTDs is extremely motivating and challenges me to continue learning and developing new skills so that I can contribute to the best of my abilities. It’s an exciting time to work in NTDs!