#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Lisa Chung

Meet Lisa Chung! Lisa Chung is a first-year PhD student interested in studying the intersection of infectious diseases and social epidemiology, particularly on health disparities in ID prevention by vaccination. In this feature, we talk about Lisa’s current project, what drove her to Rollins, and an audiobook she is currently listening to! Read more below. 

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

I received BS in Physiology from Seattle Pacific University and MPH in Epidemiology from Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University.

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

I’m working with Dr. Cecile Janssens on her book project collecting additional supporting references. But, mostly, I’m focusing on building a healthy & long-term routine/habit this semester before starting any other projects and prioritizing mental health!

What advice do you have for prospective doctoral students?

Do your research and connect with potential advisors *and* current PhD students before applying!

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

Research interest and compatibility with a potential advisor is an important factor that had a huge weight on my decision making process. But, another that was very important to me was being in a collaborative, collegial, and supportive environment with faculty, staff, and other students.

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

More than half of my time during MPH was virtual at Emory. So, it’s been so great being able to meet faculty, staff, and other students in-person albeit nervously at first being in a room full of other people. I’m thankful that we get to safely learn from the same physical space!

How have you been spending your free time?

I’ve been going on long walks with my dog, Atticus, and listening to audiobooks. Summer in between programs was a great time catching up on reading (by listening). I’m currently listening to Hood Feminism and would strongly recommend it.

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

I love visiting art museums in new cities, so High Art Museum was one of the first places I visited when I moved here. They have an amazing collection and have monthly events that I’m hoping to go at some point (when safe)!

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

1. I have too many (or is there such?) photos of my dog sleeping on my phone.
2. I’m cooking my way through a cookbook, cover-to-cover! It’s my pandemic hobby, trying to cook dishes that I don’t get to eat out anymore.
3. I have an irrational fear of taking the pit out of an avocado.

It was great getting to know you, Lisa! Tune in every Monday for a new feature on #WeAreEmoryEPI.