#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Daryn Ellison

Meet Daryn Ellison! Daryn is a rising second-year epidemiology MPH candidate with research interests in reproductive health and justice. Specifically, she desires to focus on how social and environmental factors contrribute to health disparities in the health outcomes of underserved women and children.

Read more below!

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

I graduated from the University of Chicago in Spring of 2022 with an Honors B.A. in Psychology and minor in Biological Sciences.

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

I currently work as a graduate researcher in the CDC Emergency Response and Recovery Branch, where I work to create tools for health facilities in low and middle income countries that aim to monitor and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. I also currently serve as Vice President and Communications chair for Emory’s Reproductive Health Association (ERHA). I am excited to start my new position as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Community Engagement Co-chair in the fall.

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

I love that everyone here, both faculty and students, are very passionate about their work as public health professionals. Everyone here is so incredibly approachable, kind, and humble, and it has been a truly inspiring experience.

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

When applying for Rollins, I was looking for a community that allowed me to explore and learn about the many realms of public health while also helping me expand on my incoming interests and experience. In the short time that I have been here, I have been introduced to so many opportunities in and outside of the classroom and RSPH has exposed me to areas of public health that I am now interested in that I previously had no knowledge of.

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

1. I love to cook and bake! I’m starting a cookbook collection.
2. I’m currently learning how to make resin art.
3. I played varsity tennis in college.

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

My advice is don’t let the fear of having limited public health experience or knowledge of certain public health fields hold you back from exploring what Rollins has to offer. Rollins has so many great and unique opportunities to learn and get involved on campus and in Georgia, so really take advantage of that. Also, take the time to get to know people that have similar and different public health interests!

Thanks for sharing your story, Daryn! Stay tuned to The Confounder for our next feature with Diego!