#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Lauren Chase

Lauren Chase is a second-year Epi MPH student interested in public health preparedness. She has been directly involved in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic by contact tracing for the Georgia Department of Public Health!

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

I graduated in 2019 with my B.S. in Public and Community Health from Ithaca College.

What are your primary research interests?

I am primarily interested in emergency preparedness and disaster response.

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

I have definitely made sure to give myself free time and time away from my computer throughout the day whether I am taking a walk or getting a snack. I think going for walks and getting out of my apartment is great way for me to reset and spend time outside.

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

I am currently a contract tracer and case investigator for the Georgia Department of Public Health and I am a research assistant at the Birth Defects Branch of the CDC. Both are amazing opportunities that I have learned so much from.

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

My favorite part of getting my MPH here is the connections that Emory has and the quality of the professors. It is amazing to get taught by experts in their fields who have real-life experiences that they share with us.

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

My advice for first year students is to remember grad school is hard and doing it in a pandemic is harder. Don’t underestimate yourself. You got this!

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

I am currently reading “Where the Crawdad Sings” by Delia Owens but I just finished the book “Tear Me Apart” by J.T. Ellison and thought it was great.

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

1. Halloween is my favorite holiday. I have decorated my whole apartment and am very excited to show off my Halloween costume this year (even if just virtually).

2. One quarantine skill that I have mastered is finding discounts to Hello Fresh.

3. A few months ago I spontaneously bought an Xbox and I have no regrets.

Thanks to Lauren for catching up with us and stay tuned for more #WeAreEmoryEPI next week!