ENTREPRENEURSHIP, INNOVATION AND THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Nathan Smith, Ph.D. (PhD epidemiology ’21)

Nathan D. L. Smith is the founding executive director of Kindbridge Research Institute, a nationally recognized scientist and science communicator, and a leader in the field of behavioral addiction research and theory. His work reflects a belief in the power of simple, direct methodological approaches to understand complicated human phenomena, and an unwavering focus on producing practical solutions to real-world problems…

Recent graduate

Inyoung Jun, Ph.D.

Senior Biostatistician, Edwards Lifesciences

During my PhD, I published 13 publications, with 9 as the first author. I was honored with several prestigious scholarships and fellowships, including the UF Informatics Institute Fellowship, KSEA-KUSCO Scholarship, KASF SRC Scholarship, MOGAM-KASBP Scholarship, and the AMIA LEAD Fund trainee scholarship. As president of the Korean Student Association (KSA), I led over 140 students and our organization received the UF Gator Connect Award in April 2021. All these experiences have honed my skills as a biostatistician, equipping me with in-depth statistical expertise, strong communication abilities, and a collaborative mindset essential for the medical industry.

FALL 2023 PHD GRADUATE

“My journey in the Department of Epidemiology has profoundly shaped my career and personal growth. As an international student embarking on my PhD in the U.S., I sought a program that would offer rigorous training and diverse experiences to build a strong foundation in epidemiology.

The mentorship and collaboration I received were invaluable. I had the privilege of working with brilliant minds, leading and contributing to numerous scientific publications. Presenting my research at international conferences not only enriched my knowledge but also expanded my global network.

The hands-on experience I gained through three internships was equally transformative. But perhaps most impactful was my involvement in the COVID-19 response. Volunteering from the UF football stadium to the remote Cedar Key Island, I witnessed firsthand how epidemiology can touch lives and make a difference. These experiences instilled in me a deep sense of purpose and pride in my work.

Reflecting on my time in the Department of Epidemiology, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities and relationships that have shaped who I am today. This journey has been more than just an academic pursuit; it has been a life-changing experience.”

Alumni spotlight

Shannan Rich, Ph.D. | Spring 2021 GRADUATE

Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

“The mentorship I had at UF and the opportunities for applied public health experience, including serving as a COVID-19 disease investigator at UF Health Screen, Test, & Protect, were instrumental in my decision to pursue a career in public health service.”

Danielle Sharpe, Ph.D., MSE | SPRING 2016 MSE GRADUATE

Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Officer for the CDC

Dr. Danielle Sharpe has been accepted into the prestigious Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Sharpe is assigned as an EIS Officer in the Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis in the Center for Global Health at CDC.

Yi Zheng, Ph.D. | Spring 2021 PHD Graduate

Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Harvard Medical School

Dr. Yi Zheng is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Medicine at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. His research mostly focuses on exposome, spatial epidemiology, and real world evidence.