About the Association

The Epidemiology Student Association, ESA, aims to promote the study and use of epidemiological theory and techniques of practice, as well as increase the awareness of occupational and educational opportunities, foster collaboration and comradery among our students and faculty, and promote professionalism in Epidemiology. Our voting membership consists of all students seeing an MS, PhD, MPH or MSCI in epidemiology at the University of Iowa.

Mission Statement

The Epidemiology Student Association, ESA, is intended to be a voice, an advocate, and a resource for students in the Epidemiology Department. We serve as a liaison between the students and the department, facilitating cooperation and understanding as we work together to create an excellent department and exceptional graduates.

2024-2025 Executive Board

Justin Krogh

Director, MS Representative

Justin is a second-year M.S. epidemiology student from Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. He received his B.S. in public health with a minor in global health studies from the University of Iowa College of Public Health in December 2022. Justin’s research interests include chronic disease epidemiology, therapeutic development, maternal and child health/welfare, and the social perception of clinical research. He has a passion for cystic fibrosis therapeutic development and a vested interest in building public trust in clinical research. He is a graduate research assistant for Dr. Anthony Fischer’s pediatric pulmonary clinical research group. After completing his M.S. degree, Justin plans to attend medical school to further his career in clinical research and apply epidemiological methods to create higher standards for inclusive, patient-centered care.

Emily Jester

Communications, At-Large Representative

Emily is a second-year MPH student from Keosauqua, IA. She received her B.S. in Human Physiology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Iowa in May 2020. Her primary research interests are social epidemiology, global health, mental health, and violence prevention. She has held recent positions at Stead Family Children’s Hospital, the Institute for Public Health Practice, Research, and Policy, and assisted with research under Dr. Nichole Nidey. In the Fall, you can find Emily as the TA for Intro to Epi Data Management and Analysis with Dr. Cara Hamann and more than likely cuddling her cats somewhere.

Grace Gerdts

Primary Delegate, PhD Representative

Grace is a second-year PhD student from Solon, IA. She received her B.S. in Biology and Mathematics from the University of Iowa in 2021, and she received her MPH focused in biostatistics from the University of Iowa College of Public Health in 2023. Grace’s research interests include maternal health, substance use, social inequities, and healthcare access. She currently works as a research assistant under Dr. Nichole Nidey. Outside of the department, you can find her involved as an ambassador for the College of Public Health, treasurer of CPHGSA, and president of Here to Help.

Courtney Olson

Organizer, PhD Representative

Courtney is a first-year PhD student from New London, Wisconsin. She received her B.A. in Chemistry-Biology and Spanish from Ripon College in 2018. Additionally, she completed her MPH at the University of Michigan in Global Health Epidemiology with a certificate in Public Health Genetics in 2024. Courtney’s main research interests are infection prevention, vaccines, global health, and vaccine equity, especially for vulnerable and underrepresented populations. In her limited free time away from school and research, she loves to travel and go hiking.

Rachel Gavin

Treasurer, MPH Representative

Rachel is a second-year MPH student. She received her B.A. in Public Health and Social Welfare minor from Wartburg College, and she is interested in infectious disease, social, and injury epidemiology. She currently works as a research assistant for an adolescent bicycle safety study.

Yamam Hussien

First-Year Representative

Yamam is an undergrad-to-grad (U2G) MPH student in Epidemiology from West Des Moines, IA, currently in the final year of completing her neuroscience (pre-med) undergraduate major at the University of Iowa. Yamam’s research interests lie at the intersection of infectious disease, maternal health, and cancer epidemiology. Yamam works as a research assistant in the Hultman Lab and holds the position of First Year Representative in her program. Outside of her studies, Yamam is the Vice President of MAPS+/LMSA and a third-year Resident Assistant at Burge Hall. Her commitment extends beyond the classroom as she volunteers in the NICU unit at the hospital. In her free time, she enjoys playing Backgammon.

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