#WeAreEmoryEPI: Aryn O’Dell
Category : #WeAreEmoryEPI
This week on #WeAreEmoryEPI, we’re hearing from first-year EPI MPH student Aryn O’Dell. Read more below about her background and interests!
Tell us about your academic history/where you went to school.
For my bachelors degree, I studied Medical Geography at the University of Florida. I minored in Health Disparities in Society and earned a certificate in Data Analytics.
What are your primary research interests?
I am interested in infectious disease epidemiology, outbreak response, and emergency preparedness. I also have research interests in spatial epidemiology, zoonoses, and One Health methods.
Are there any exciting projects that you are currently working on that you’d like to share with us?
I am currently a REAL student working as a Global Research Assistant at the One Health Office in NCEZID at CDC. We are working on a zoonotic disease burden database, which we are excited to eventually publish.
What is your favorite part about earning your MPH at Emory?
I am continually impressed by all the amazing research that is being carried out here at Rollins, as well as the many collaborations that Rollins has with various health organizations.
When applying, what were you looking for in a public health school, and what factors drove you to pick Rollins?
I was looking for a public health school that had the tools to help me have a successful and satisfying career in epidemiology. Rollins impressed me with their focus on connecting students with organizations and opportunities that help students find full-time employment opportunities after graduation.
What advice do you have for people who may be interested in getting their MPH?
Discovering your research interests may be a matter of trial and error – find opportunities to try gaining experience in different research topics, connect with experts in those fields, and learn whenever possible.
What are three fun facts that you want people to know about you?
1. I am a born & raised Floridian. Go gators!
2. I grew up on a horse ranch, and my mom bred Appaloosas.
3. I’m left handed.
