#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Emi Grill

Meet Emi Grill! Emi is a second-year Epidemiology MPH candidate with research interests in infectious disease, field epidemiology, spatial epidemiology, and social determinants of health. In this feature, we’ll learn about Emi, her experience with Emory’s COVID-19 Outbreak Response Team, and her time as a student at Rollins! Read more below.

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

I have a B.S. in Biology from George Washington University. I graduated in 2018 and worked in a molecular biology lab at GW for 2 years before coming to Emory!

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

I am a member of the Emory COVID-19 Outbreak Response Team led by Dr. Jodie Guest. It is my APE, and I am glad it covers that requirement, but mostly I love the work we are able to do! We have vaccinated hundreds of people, and have had even more vaccine conversations with members of underserved communities in Atlanta and across Georgia. Taking part in our vaccine/testing events, conversations with community members and building relationships with community partners has given me the opportunity to directly apply what I have learned at Emory and to do something I really believe in.

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

The people! Community and connections have been a little unusual due to COVID, but the relationships I have made despite that – with other students, faculty, staff, guest lecturers, and more, have still been strong. I have found everyone incredibly approachable and friendly and I think it speaks to a commitment from the entire Rollins community to build that environment.

What is your favorite class you have taken so far at Emory and why? 

My favorite elective I have taken is Spatial Epi (EPI 563: Concepts and Applications in Spatial Epidemiology). It’s a challenging course but it’s really well designed and taught. There’s something incredibly satisfying (maybe just to me) about producing a map as part of an analysis, and I learned so much that I have been able to apply in other areas, like my APE. I am hoping to find a job after graduation that allows me to continue to utilize and expand on what I learned in that class!

What advice do you have for 1st year MPH Students?

Be open! I’m not saying do something you hate, but don’t be afraid of things that may not align 100% with what you think you want to do. Two years is a short time, but there’s definitely some room to take some classes outside of your concentration/certificate, and you never know what new opportunities or interests you might find!

How have you been spending your free time? 

My friend recommended the Percy Jackson series to me and I’ve been working my way through it! I never read them when I was younger but it’s been the perfect pace for a break from school when I’m walking my dog or cooking.

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

The Atlanta Botanical Garden! It’s good any time but it’s a bonus if they have any sort of event going on. Especially if you’re around in the winter, I highly recommend the “Garden Lights, Holiday Nights” experience. I look forward to it every year!

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

1. I used to be a Segway tour guide in Washington, DC
2. There was a period of about 5 months where I probably spent more time with parasites than people! (COVID + hookworm research = no WFH for me)
3.  Antonio is my favorite Animal Crossing villager

Thanks for sharing your story, Emi! Tune in next week for another #WeAreEmoryEPI feature.