#WeAreEmoryEpi: Meet Veronika Laird

Veronika is a rising second-year student interested in researching zoonotic diseases and will be completing her APE this summer with Dr. Guest and the Emory Outbreak Response Team! We chatted with her about this, some fun facts about her, and more!

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

I studied integrative biology with a minor in chemistry and global health at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in their honors program. I am a die-hard fan of our sports teams and you’ll always catch me sporting some Illini gear. I-L-L!

What are your primary research interests?

I am most passionate about research at the animal-human interface. I would love to work with bats and non-human primates to study zoonotic diseases.

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

I try to go outside at least twice a day and (safely) spend time with new friends. I take a lot of breaks throughout my day to get up from my work computer which has helped me immensely.

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

I’m very excited to be completing my APE with the Outbreak Response Team with Dr. Jodie Guest and fellow first-years! I’ll also be working with the Malaria Branch of the CDC and I am really looking forward to it.

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

I feel like I have been able to find strong mentors and role models through my REAL position with the CDC thanks to Emory. But, most importantly, the friends I’ve made here are my favorite part because they are so ambitious and kind.

What advice do you have for people who may be interested in getting their MPH?

Email professors at schools you would be interested in going to and ask them to put you in touch with current MPH students. That’s what I did and it ultimately led me to Emory because students were honest about the program and faculty.

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

I was chasing after mentors and meaningful relationships in the field and with friends. After emailing professors across Rollins, many got back to me in the span of 3 days and I knew this is where I wanted to go.

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

I’m working my way through the Lord of the Rings trilogy right now since it’s been a long time since I’ve read them. I have really dove into The Office Ladies podcast and Radio Rental which I would highly recommend. My favorite epi-related book is Spillover by David Quammen if you’re into infectious diseases-buckle up.

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

1. I love bats and primates, I spent 45 minutes at the gorilla exhibit at the Atlanta Zoo.
2. I am always chasing a beach trying to find time to snorkel and swim.
3. Once the new normal sets in, you’ll find me out salsa dancing with my friends every weekend!

Thanks to Veronika for taking the time to talk to us! Stay tuned to the next edition of the Confounder for another #WeAreEmoryEpi spotlight on the new EPI communications team for 2021-22!