#WeAreEmoryEPI: McKenzi Thompson

Meet McKenzi Thompson! McKenzi is a first-year Global Epidemiology MPH candidate with research interests in reproductive health and women’s health. She is specifically interested in monitoring maternal morbidity and mortality as well as prematurity and preterm birth. McKenzi is also the Vice President of the Association of Black Public Health Students (ABPHS) and a student representative in the Department of Epidemiology’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee. In this feature, we’ll learn more about McKenzi, her current project, and advice for prospective public health students. Read more below!

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

I pursued my bachelor of science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Mills College in Oakland, California.

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

I am currently a data analyst within the Environmental Health Department investigating pregnancy outcomes resulting from environmental exposures and psychosocial stressors.

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

I was looking for a school that would be supportive of all my endeavors. After discovering the academic and professional opportunities Rollins had to offer, I knew this school would be the best choice for my career/life plan.

What advice do you have for people who may be interested in getting their MPH? 

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

“Everything that is meant to happen will happen.”

“Worry less and dream more.”

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

The best thing about Emory is the people. The professors are passionate about their work and the students are driven and intelligent.

How have you been spending your free time?

Aside from academics and work, I am Vice President of the Association of Black Public Health Students (ABPHS), I am on the Community and Belonging collaborative, and I am the diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) epidemiology student representative in the Department of Epidemiology DEI committee. When I am not actively involved in academics, work, and extracurricular activities, I like to indulge in different culinary experiences in Atlanta.

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

I would recommend visiting the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

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

1. I have hypermobility in my arms and knees
2. I am a certified full-spectrum doula
3. I studied abroad in China for a month

Thanks for sharing your story, McKenzi! Tune in every Monday for another feature of #WeAreEmoryEPI.