#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Noni Bourne!
Category : #WeAreEmoryEPI
Meet Noni Bourne! Noni is one of our Associate Director of Academic Programs (ADAPs) for the EPI department, specifically focusing on EPI and GLEPI MSPH and PhD students.
Tell us a little about your academic history/where you went to school.
I’m a proud alumna of Spelman College, where I graduated with my BA in English. I also have a Master’s in English Literature from Georgetown University. My career path has shifted since then, but I’m still an avid reader!
What were you doing before you came to Rollins?
Before I came to Rollins, I was in a similar role supporting undergraduates at a liberal arts school in Washington, DC. Before that, I had prior lives as a Peace Corps volunteer in Vanuatu; as a pre-school teacher; and of, course, other roles in higher education!Why did you want to become ADAP for the Epidemiology Department?
I was drawn to RSPH and EPI because of the student-centered environment. I’m from a family of educators and am a big nerd at heart. I knew this was the role for me when I heard and saw the focus on student success throughout my interview process.
What are you most excited about working with MPH students?
What excites me about working with our students is the energy, enthusiasm, and motivation. Our students are amazing! I really am proud to see the amazing work they do everyday and it gives me life!
What goals do you have when working with new students?
My goal when working with students is to be helpful. Whether it’s something small (like what to do when you lose your EmoryCard) or something big (like how do I best position myself to be marketable post-graduation), I hope my students always come out of my meetings with clear to-do’s and goals.
What is your favorite part of being at Emory?
The people! From students, to staff, to faculty–everyone I’ve meet and worked with here is wonderful.
What advice do you have for students?
Ask questions; be a sponge; get involved!
What is one place in Atlanta that you would recommend people to visit?
This one is for the student-parents (or anyone who’s a kid at heart…or loves dinosaurs): Fernbank Museum. My littles love this place and will spend hours exploring the exhibits and playgrounds.
What are you currently reading/watching/listening to?
Reading A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik: a story set in a magical boarding school with a survivalist twist.
What are three fun facts that you want people to know about you?
1. I love a magical trilogy! (Please send me recommendations!)
2. I have 7-year-old twins and am a newly minted soccer mom.
3. I’ve reached the stage of life where Zumba is fun. (It really is!)
Thank you for sharing with us! We can’t wait for you all to see what’s next on #WeAreEmoryEpi!
