#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Dr. Jodie Guest

Meet Dr. Jodie Guest! Dr. Guest is a Research Professor in our Department whose work focuses on inequities in access to care among those living with HIV, uptake of PrEP among women, and COVID-19 work. In this feature, we learn more about Dr. Guest, her current projects, and advice for first-year students. Read more below!

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

I went to Baylor University for my undergrad degree (communication disorders) and concurrently received my paramedic degree from Texas A&M. I received my MPH and my doctorate from Emory University.

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

I began my career working on when and how to treat those living with HIV. I have always been drawn to stigmas associated with HIV and love working in this area now. My COVID-19 work has come out of the work I have down with the Outbreak Response Team since April 2020.

Are there any exciting manuscripts or projects that you are currently working on?

We just began partnering with Fair Count to provide vaccinations and vaccine conversations in communities with low vaccine uptake. It is incredible to work with this organization! I have a women’s PrEP grant under review and am excited about the potential there. I am also working on the 2022 COVID-19 Prevention Protocol for the Iditarod Race.

What is your favorite part about being at Emory?

The students.

What advice do you have for MPH students?

Do not worry about your thesis your first semester!

How have you been spending your free time? 

My days have been pretty long in the pandemic. I started walking/running every day to get outside and use that time to listen to books on tape.

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

Your Dekalb Farmer’s Market

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

1. EPI 530 was the class that made me fall in love with Epidemiology. It is so thrilling now to be able to teach that class.
2. I tell my dogs goodbye every time I leave the house.
3. I love to go to a local farmers market on Saturday morning and cook dinner for friends using only the ingredients I find at the market that day.

Thanks for talking with us, Dr. Guest. The Confounder team will be taking a break and will resume our regular schedule on January 10th. We are wishing everyone a good luck on their finals and a safe winter holiday!