#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Kelly Falcone!

Meet Kelly Falcone! She is a second-year MPH Candidate in Environmental Health and Epidemiology. Last month, she shared with us the wide variety of topics she’s interested in and explores through her time at Rollins.

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

I was a Public Health major and Environmental Studies minor at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. I came to Rollins right after I finished my undergraduate degree.

What are your primary research interests?

I’m interested in One Health, infectious disease, climate change, and health communications. My interest in infectious disease focuses primarily on foodborne and enteric diseases. I’ve had the opportunity to explore my wide variety of interests through classes at Rollins and my APE.

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

I’m wrapping up my two APE(s) right now! This summer, I was a communications assistant with two organizations: the Global Fortification Data Exchange (GFDx) and the CDC’s One Health office. I spent the summer developing social media content for each and analyzing social media data to improve communications strategies while learning more about One Health and how food fortification can help reduce micronutrient deficiencies.

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

I’ve been able to get involved with so many organizations both on and off campus. For example, I’m part of the Rollins Student Government Association (RSGA), RSPH Admissions Ambassadors, and Emory Students for One Health. Being part of these organizations has helped to enhance my experience as a Rollins student.

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

I really valued the ability to gain work experience while pursuing my MPH since I did not take time off between leaving Furman and coming to Rollins. I knew Rollins had a lot of strong connections with organizations in Atlanta, so ultimately, the ability to gain valuable work experience throughout my time at Rollins was why I chose to attend.

What has been your favorite class at Rollins thus far, and why?

My favorite class at Rollins has been GH 580 (Control of Food and Waterborne Diseases). I took this in the January term, a pre-term session of the spring semester. We had so many guest speakers, and it was really cool to learn about their field experience and to hear from experts on a variety of topics. This is a topic I’m most passionate about, and I feel like I learned a lot even though it was only a week-long course!

How have you been spending your free time?

This summer, I’ve been by the pool, exploring the Beltline, attending concerts, and reading. (I have a few mysteries and thrillers if you’re looking for any.)

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

1. I love to read mysteries and thrillers.
2. Scrapbooking is one of my favorite hobbies.
3. I just became an aunt this summer!

What advice do you have for 1st years?

Be kind to yourself! Graduate school can sometimes feel overwhelming, but remember that you are capable and deserve to be here!

Thanks for talking with us, Kelly! Join us next week to see who we speak to next!