#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Ellisen Herndon
Category : #WeAreEmoryEPI
In this week’s student spotlight, we are talking with Ellisen Herndon, one of the department’s two student representatives. She is a rising second-year MPH candidate, with a focus in research from a social determinant of health perspective. As a representative, she is a great point of contact for students to address theiri concerns with the department. Read more about her interests, her favorite things about Rollins, and catch up on what she’s doing with her summer!
Tell us about your academic history/where you went to school.
I am actually an Emory alumna! I graduated in 2018 with two Bachelors of Science degrees, one in Biology and another in Sociology.
What are your primary research interests?
I am particularly interested in social, cardiometabolic, or genetic/molecular epidemiology research. I am particularly passionate about any research that takes a social determinant of health perspective.
Are there any exciting projects that you are currently working on that you’d like to share with us?
I am working with Dr. Shakira Suglia and the SDOH-LIFE Research Group to study how childhood adversity affects cardiometabolic measures in a young adult Puerto Rican cohort. In addition, I am currently completing my APE with the Georgia Department of Public Health, updating community health assessments for the West Central Health District and investigating racial disparities in health outcomes for the region.
What is your favorite part about earning your MPH at Emory?
I enjoy working and studying alongside intellectually dedicated and creative people. The student body, faculty and staff are supportive and encourage you to become the best version of yourself.
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 school where I could tailor my education to my interests, while also reserving room to explore new areas of public health. Additionally, professors at Rollins are at the forefront of their respective fields, so they can provide valuable and unique insight.
What has been your favorite class at Rollins thus far, and why?
I have to say EPI 530 (Epidemiologic Methods I) has been my favorite course because it served as my first real introduction to epidemiology. It was an excellent foundation for my other classes and was made even better by Dr. Jodie Guest and her enthusiasm!
What advice do you have for first years?
Keep an open mind and take courses that may be out of your comfort zone. You may fall in love with a new topic!
How have you been spending your free time?
Sleeping in as often as possible and taking a ton of walks/hikes.
What is one place that you would recommend people to visit in Atlanta?
The Westside Reservoir Park is a great place for people to see! It is part of the Atlanta BeltLine project and is located at a beautiful quarry.
What are three fun facts that you want people to know about you?
- My “guilty pleasure” show is Love Island.
- I am originally from the metro Atlanta area.
- All of my plants are named after my favorite TV characters!
Thanks for speaking with us, Ellisen! Tune in next time for our next installment of #WeAreEmoryEpi.
