#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Jonathan Ackleh-Tingle

Meet Jonathan Ackleh-Tingle! Jonathan is a second-year PhD student in the epidemiology program and a fifth-year MD-PhD student in the Emory MSTP program. In this feature, Jonathan talks about his current project, what drove him to Rollins, and his favorite things to do in Atlanta. Read more below!

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

I have a B.A. from Baylor University in Waco, TX, and an MSc from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

What are your primary research interests?

Broadly, I’m interested in infectious disease epidemiology. I’m still trying to figure out what sub-specialties I want to pursue within that field.

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

I’m working with Dr. Allison Chamberlain on a project to assess how well primary care physicians communicate about the COVID-19 vaccine, in an effort to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.

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

I applied to MD-PhD programs, so I also had to weigh the quality of the medical training in my decision. Ultimately, though, I chose Emory and RSPH because Emory has institutional connections with so many other public health organizations in Atlanta (and beyond), especially including the CDC and the Carter Center. Even if I didn’t personally leverage every one of those connections, I wanted to be part of a public health community at Rollins with a diversity of interests, experiences, and careers.

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

My professors have consistently been accessible, approachable, eager to get to know me, and happy to answer questions, whether related to coursework or not.

What advice do you have for prospective doctoral students?

You don’t have to apply to graduate school already knowing your intended dissertation aims. But in general, the more clarity and specificity you have about what you want to research, the better!

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

I am a big fan of the many farmer’s markets in the Atlanta area, especially including Buford Highway Farmer’s Market and Your Dekalb Farmer’s Market.

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

(1) Pre-COVID, I used to sing in the Emory University Chorus. It was a needed creative outlet during a science-heavy training program. I miss it and hope to join again when COVID is better-controlled!

(2) I am a sparkling water super-fan: La Croix, Perrier, Pellegrino, store brand, Spindrift, you name it, I’ll drink it. I often joke that I could probably single-handedly keep the entire industry afloat if needed.

(3) If I had to pursue a career outside of medicine and public health, I’m pretty sure I’d try my hand at being a travel agent. I love to travel, sure, but I enjoy planning and scheduling trips nearly to the same degree.

It was great getting to know you, Jonathan! Stay tuned next Monday to see who we feature next on #WeAreEmoryEPI.