#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Nafis Khan

Meet Nafis Khan! Nafis is a second-year Epidemiology MPH candidate interested in Maternal and Child Health and chronic health surveillance. In this feature, Nafis talks about his project with the CDC, his favorite class at Rollins, and a must-see hiking spot! Read more below.  

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

I graduated from undergrad in 2018 with a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Penn State University.

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 project to modernize data visualization for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Early Hearing Detection and Intervention team. I like this project because I get to use my creative side to help communicate research findings in an easily digestible and visually appealing way.

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

Faculty that was participating in interesting research that I would be able to involve myself in. Given Emory’s proximity to so many public health institutions, it wasn’t a hard decision.

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

You don’t have to know what you want to do after you graduate but meeting people and asking questions definitely helps.

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

The strong connection among the student body and with the professors. Starting school in a pandemic would have been way more difficult if not for all of the people I have met while at Emory.

What is your favorite class you have taken so far at Emory and why? 

One of the more interesting electives I have taken was INFO 530. It is a GIS class that is only a half semester. It is not too long but the subject matter is really interesting and applicable to many public health studies.

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

Get to know your professors and classmates beyond the classroom. It helps to build relationships beyond work.

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

I normally try to break my day up so I’m not staring at a screen 24/7. Getting outside for some fresh air and trying to eat a bit healthier has been a great help.

How have you been spending your free time?

I normally like to spend my time cooking, eating, or being outdoors. I like to be active but I also like to not be hungry.

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

If you like hiking, Arabia Mountain is close to Atlanta and a very cool place.

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

1. That I don’t have many fun facts.
2. I’m really good at whistling.
3. *Please see #1.

Thanks for talking with us, Nafis! Stay tuned next Monday to see who we feature next on #WeAreEmoryEPI.