Student Profiles


Name: Onella Dawkins
Degree: 80 credit Master of Science in Epidemiology
Area of Interest: Cardiovascular Epidemiology

What are your main research interests?

I’m interested in non-communicable disease occurrence (particularly diabetes and obesity) in vulnerable populations, and how addressing lifestyle factors might help in reduction of this disease burden.

Why did you choose Harvard Chan School over other schools?

The researchers at Harvard are leaders in their given fields, who throughout their careers have fostered numerous connections with other amazing researchers across the globe, resulting in many breakthroughs in the field of public health. I chose Harvard because it offered a great opportunity to tap into this network of cutting edge research and learn immensely from these individuals.

What is the best class you’ve taken at the Harvard Chan School and why? 

I really enjoyed SBS 201: Society and Health. The course provided a good overview on the body of research around social determinants of health, and included methodological factors to consider in designing social experiments, common intentional and unintentional consequences of social interventions and concepts of behavioral economics. Not only did the content align well with my interests, but the instructor was also very engaging during lectures.

What is your favorite part about living in Boston? 

It’s a beautiful city (especially during the Fall!) and most things are very accessible on foot.

After graduation, where do you envision yourself facilitating change in the public health sector?

I hope to be working with an organization that uses evidence-based approaches to reduce chronic disease burden in low-income populations, with the ultimate goal of reducing health disparities across global communities.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your education at HSPH so far for prospective students?

I appreciate the fact that the Epidemiology program is structured enough so that everyone learns the core methods needed for a career in the field, yet flexible enough that you can tailor your experiences while enrolled (through electives, winter session projects, summer experiences, etc.) to best prepare for the specific role you want to play in the health sector later.

 

Name: Tori Cowger
Degree: PhD in Population Health Sciences in Epidemiology
Area of Interest: Infectious Disease Epidemiology

What are your main research interests?

My main research interests are health disparities and social determinants of infectious diseases, vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations, geospatial methods, and global public health practice.

Why did you choose Harvard Chan School over other schools?

When I was applying to PhD programs in epidemiology, I considered many different schools. I chose Harvard Chan because of the uniqueness, flexibility and rigor of Population Health Sciences (PHS) PhD program, which brings together students from across departments within Chan working on different aspects of improving population health and gives us the opportunity to learn from each other. Additionally, I was impressed by Harvard’s collaborative atmosphere and supportive environment, and the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s foremost experts in epidemiologic methods, infectious diseases, and social epidemiology.

What is the best class you’ve taken at the Harvard Chan School and why? 

I’ve only just started this fall, but my favorite class I’ve finished so far is Professor Nancy Krieger’s course (SBS 506) “An Introduction to History, Politics, & Public Health: Theories of Disease Distribution & Health Inequities.” The course really challenged me to think critically about epidemiologic theory and the implications that choice of theory may have on epidemiologic research and practice. This quarter, I’m looking forward to ‘Introduction to Social and Biological Networks’ (BST 267), and I’m excited to delve more deeply into some of the infectious disease epidemiology courses offered within the department in the coming semesters.

Favorite part about living in Boston? 

In addition to the access to incredible academic resources in Boston and Cambridge, I’ve loved Boston’s proximity to nature – there are great places to hike and kayak close to the city.

After graduation, where do you envision yourself facilitating change in the public health sector?

Since I’m only a first year, I’m still exploring options for what I’ll be doing after graduation. Prior to coming to Chan, I worked as an epidemiologist the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and I really enjoyed the work’s blend of research and global public health practice. Some of the most rewarding parts of the work I’ve done so far have been connecting with others passionate about public health and sharing knowledge – both through teaching in academic settings and through training and disseminating our research globally. Once I graduate, I’d love to pursue a career that combines rigorous, consequential research and its translation into impactful public health practice in the places and for the people who will benefit most.

 

Name: Hannah Michelle Brower
Degree: 80 credit Master of Science in Epidemiology
Area of Interest: Psychiatric Epidemiology

What are your main research interests?

I’m interested in disparities in health in the US related to race, socioeconomic status, and immigration status. I’m especially interested in interventions and policies that reduce disparities related to mental health, substance use disorder, and exposure to violence.

Why did you choose Harvard Chan School over other schools?

Harvard’s program is structured in a way that will allow me to gain in-depth skills in epidemiology and data analysis, while also providing the flexibility for me to explore other areas of interest. I’ll have the opportunity to take courses from across departments at HSPH, and at Harvard’s other grad schools. Harvard also has an extremely diverse student body. My classmates come from all over the world and from varying personal and professional backgrounds, so I’m always learning from them.

What is the best class you’ve taken at the Harvard Chan School and why?

My favorite class so far has been SBS 299: Driving Science-Based Innovation in Early Childhood Practice and Policy. This course is taught by Prof. Jack Shonkoff, who leads the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard. We’ve discussed everything from brain development in early childhood, to translating science for community partners and policy-makers, to working across sectors to develop innovative solutions. We’ve also had several visiting speakers in class, so we’re learning directly from experts across the field.

Favorite part about living in Boston?

I love all the green spaces in my neighborhood, Jamaica Plain. The Arnold Arboretum is a very special place to have nearby.

After graduation, where do you envision yourself facilitating change in the public health sector?

I hope to find a job in the government or nonprofit sector. My goal is to perform high-quality research and use this research to inform policies and programs that will improve the health of communities.

 

geetha-iyerName:  Geetha Iyer
Degree Program: PhD Population Health Sciences (Field of Student:Epidemiology)
Area of Interest:  Pharmacoepidemiology

What are your main research interests? 

My main interest lie in evaluating safety of drugs as well as their optimal use in populations.

What experiences led you to studying at the Harvard Chan School?

My path to studying at the Harvard Chan School has most probably been longer than most. My interest in Pharmacoepidemiology started when I began my post graduate residency in Pharmacology, after completing medical school. Having been involved in a few research projects, it became increasingly apparent that in order to perform quality research, I required more knowledge about methodological considerations as well as statistical expertise. Hence, I chose to pursue a Masters in Epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The training I received over those two years inspired me to apply to a doctoral program in Pharmacoepidemiology. This opportunity at Harvard is a way for me to explore in-depth the wide span of the topics areas and contribute in developing and validating new methods to generate better quality evidence.

What is the best class you’ve taken at the Harvard Chan School and why?

The best class I have taken so far has to be EPI 221 (Pharmacoepidemiology) by Dr. Alec Walker. The class encouraged discussion and participation. In particular it was a pleasure to hear Dr. Walker’s thoughts about the core ideas and methodology in Pharmacoepidemiology.

Favorite part about living in Boston?

Beautiful architecture, ease of walking around and wonderful, vibrant people

After graduation, where do you envision yourself facilitating change in the public health sector?

I hope to make my contribution to the field by performing high quality research which can inform clinical practice and regulatory stakeholders. Additionally, teaching has been one of my passions and so, I would prefer to be part of an academic institution.