#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Katy Krupinsky

In this week’s student spotlight, we are catching up with Katy Krupinsky, the department’s second RSGA representative for 2021 (we featured Sandra last week ICYMI). She is a first-year Master’s student working with mathematical modeling. Read on to learn more about her background, favorite parts about Rollins, and plans for her new role as EPI rep. 

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

I completed my undergrad at Colorado State University in Microbiology this past May!

What are you most looking forward to during your term as RSGA EPI student representative? 

As RSGA EPI student representative, I am most looking forwards to working with my peers to further build up our little EPI community and foster a learning environment that allows for every student to be successful.

What are some changes or cool ideas you are looking to bring to the department?

I hope to create spaces for students to meet up (for now virtually) and find peers that are in a similar situation as their own.  Additionally, I am a big fan of some friendly competition – so hopefully creating some events that follow that spirit.  I don’t want to reveal anything specific just yet, but let’s just say that we have some fun things in the works!

What are your primary research interests?

I am interested in using mathematical modeling techniques in order to answer questions relating to tuberculosis and infectious diseases more generally.

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

It has been quite the adjustment for sure! For me, the most important thing has been making sure to stick to a schedule and always having a list of tasks to accomplish each day so that I stay productive. There are days when it seems almost impossible and I just want to give up; however, in those moments, I try to remind myself of why I chose to follow this path with my education and root myself in that “why”.

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

I am currently an RA in the EpiModel research lab and have had the opportunity to work on some of the lab’s projects. It has been really neat being able to get involved in the amazing research happening here at Rollins and I can’t wait to see what great opportunities the rest of my time here holds.

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

I think my favorite part about earning my MPH at Emory is the wide variety of opportunities, the amazing lectures, and the diverse community of peers that I get to work with on a daily basis. It is an environment that fosters critical thought, the tackling of pressing problems in our world, and personal growth — three things that make it the perfect place to receive the training needed in order to be a successful public health professional!

What advice do you have for people who may be interested in getting their MPH?

I think the biggest advice that I have for people who may be interested in getting their MPH is to really think about your “why” for choosing this field of study. To say the least, figuring out how to answer any of the questions which this field focuses on is filled with more uncertainty than certainty — something that is very frustrating at times. Any MPH program is going to ask a lot out of you and ask you to tackle many of these uncertain problems in your classes. You will get stuck and feel frustrated and get discouraged throughout your program. However, if you have a strong “why public health” and always remember it in your actions, then you will be able to move past any problems you may face and be ready to get everything you can out of this degree — and love (almost) every second of it!

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

When I was applying, I was looking for a school that had not only a stellar reputation within the field but also for a school that offered a diverse set of opportunities for research and applied experience. Rollins was the school that I ultimately chose because of not only both of those qualities but also the warmth and problem-solving-centered learning environment which the Rollins EPI department fosters.

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

Nothing currently, but I recently finished “The Forgotten Plague” by Frank Ryan which tells the story of how some of the earliest drugs for tuberculosis were developed and where the field may need to go next with the current pattern of increasing drug-resistant disease. It’s told in a very reader-friendly/non-sciencey manner and sheds a light on what all goes into developing new drugs for major health threats such as TB — would highly recommend if anyone has ever wondered the story behind the treatment of tuberculosis!

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

(1) I was a professional skater with Disney on Ice prior to starting my undergrad and got to tour around the US, Canada and Mexico performing in different arenas each week. I won’t put in writing what character I was “friends” with, but let’s just say I got to wear some pretty cool pairs of ears!

(2) I am originally from Tempe, AZ, and once successfully baked cookies in my car when it was WAY too hot during the summer.

(3) My brother is a student at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Go Navy! Beat Army!

Thanks so much to Katy for her time! Check back next week for our next student spotlight on #WeAreEmoryEPI!