scientist
researcher
writer
jayati sharma
genetics, epidemiology methods, nutrition, chronic disease prevention,
health & policy advocacy
Educational Background:
University of Arizona
> BS in Public Health
> BS in Molecular & Cellular Biology
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
> ScM in Genetic Epidemiology
> PhD in Genetic Epidemiology (exp. 2025)
Hi! I'm Jayati
I'm currently a PhD student at Johns Hopkins University's Bloomberg School of Public Health studying Genetic Epidemiology.
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In terms of research, I'm passionate about genetics, nutrition, diet, & cardio-metabolic diseases. Within genetic epidemiology, I'm interested in exploring polygenic risk prediction and gene-environment interactions in chronic diseases.
I look forward to a career in which I can use epidemiology & data science to improve large-scale public health outcomes using genetics. I have been an active participant in public health initiatives and organizations throughout my schooling. I am strongly committed to lending my voice to the needs of the underprivileged and historically minoritized communities around the world.
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Outside of research and academia, I am an active science communicator, writer, and musician (fun fact: I hold a bachelors-level degree in Indian Classical Music!). I enjoy living life as a continual learner. I'm always open to opportunities to build skills, advocate for community needs, & collaborate.
I am the 2020-21 Membership Committee Co-Chair at the APHA Student Assembly, the nation's largest public health student organization.
In this role, I collaborate with other members of the assembly council to improve APHA-SA's outreach, involve students in ongoing public health initiatives, and interact with liaisons to strengthen member involvement.
This year, I helped grow our Membership Ambassador network from 5 to 40 students.
APHA Student Assembly
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I am a Data Analyst for the SARS-CoV-2 Epidemiology And Response in Children (SEARCh) Project, a CDC-supported cohort study following hundreds of Maryland families and analyzing risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 exposure and infection.
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In this role, I generate weekly reports on the cohort and contribute to descriptive and analytic manuscripts.
JHSPH IVAC
In college, I was a member of the Klimentidis Lab, working on Genetic Epidemiology projects regarding dietary behaviors, preferences, and consumption related to genetics and cardio-metabolic diseases. I conducted my undergraduate Honors thesis on this topic: "Genetic Influences on the Relationship Between Meat Consumption & LDL-C Levels."
I also later joined the Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics as a student assistant compiling state-level COVID data from ADHS, & coordinating volunteer trainings for the SAFER contact tracing program.
UArizona MEZCOPH
Selected Work:
Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona
Between 2017 & 2020, I was a research intern with the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona (CFB), working on a variety of quantitative and qualitative research projects aimed at understanding how food insecurity impacts the diet quality and diet-related disease prevalence of underserved food bank clients.
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Some of my work: https://cals.arizona.edu/news/combating-diabetes-through-food-security
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Additional Projects:
JHU Center for Humanitarian Health
I systematically reviewed and summarized over 100 research articles on the state of COVID-19, maternal & child health, and nutrition, through a JHU-hosted repository globally accessed by physicians, researchers, and policymakers.
Writing
Read some of my work on Medium. I occasionally share my thoughts on science, public health, and other current events, too.
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I'm also a contributing writer at Massive Science. Check out my work here.
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This summer, I'm also a fellow of the AAAS Mass Media Fellowship with the Wichita Eagle.
Reach Out!