#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Jordan Barker

Jordan is a second-year MPH student interested in emerging infectious disease research. She is currently working on a qualitative project studying COVID-19’s impact on individuals experiencing homelessness. This week, we talked to her about that and more!

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

I graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelors of Science in Political Science. I also graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Bachelors of Science in Public Health and a minor in Biology.

What are your primary research interests?

I am primarily interested in emerging infectious diseases and global health security.

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

I am currently working on a qualitative study that is assessing the impact of COVID-19 on behavioral health services for individuals experiencing homelessness. I have learned so much during this project over the past few months, and this has been a great opportunity to work with individuals across multiple teams.

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

My favorite part about earning my MPH at Emory are the research/work opportunities available to students and the amazing professors.

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

Take care of your mental and physical health. While classes, networking, and securing APE and thesis/capstone opportunities are all important, take time away from all of that for self care on a weekly basis.

As first-year students start to look for their APE positions, do you have any tips for finding a practicum?

Don’t be afraid to network and ask about opportunities, even in your current job.

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

When I was applying to public health schools, I wanted to find a school where I felt at home, and one that also provided a lot of opportunities for experience outside of the classroom. My Visit Emory experience in early 2019 was great, and I made the decision to attend Rollins that same week. I also enjoy living in the Atlanta area and love the many public health opportunities that the city provides.

Do you have any other tips for prospective public health students?

Try a little bit of everything. I came to Rollins unsure of what research areas I wanted to focus on, so I decided to enroll in different electives to see what I enjoyed and wanted to further explore. My research interests have evolved over the past two years, but I have gained a lot of insight into different areas of research by stepping outside of my comfort zone.

How have you been navigating the work (& learn) from home experience during the COVID-19 outbreak?

When we first transitioned to 100% remote work/learning, it was a huge adjustment for me because it was hard to set work/life boundaries. I started making and sticking to daily schedules to remain on task while also making sure to also incorporate time away from the computer screen to exercise and relax. I enjoy working from home, but I do miss seeing people on campus and at the office.

What books are you currently reading, or what podcasts are you currently listening to? 

I am currently reading Fractured by Karin Slaughter (who is from Atlanta and sets most of her novels in this area), and I am also reading Big Bad Wolf by James Patterson. I also enjoy podcasts and follow Hidden Brain and the Broke Millennial Finance Podcast.

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

1. I have a Lord of the Rings tattoo and a Doctor Who tattoo. Next up is a Star Wars tattoo.

2. I grew up right outside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in western North Carolina.

3. I love to bake. My current favorite recipe is cookies and cream cupcakes.

Thanks to Jordan for taking the time to chat with us! Tune in next week for another #WeAreEmoryEPI student spotlight!