CIDMATH is training the next generation of infectious disease experts

CIDMATH serves as a central training hub as part of its mission to advance infectious disease modeling and public health practice. The Summer Institute in Statistics and Modeling in Infectious Disease (SISMID), the Outbreak Analytics (OA) Fellowship, the CIDMATH-Georgia Emerging Infections Program (EIP) Collaboration, the Science Communication Fellowship (SCF), and the CIDMATH Student Fellowship offer rigorous hands-on training opportunities for students, researchers, and practitioners. Each of these experiences help to equip the next generation of public health professionals with cutting-edge skills in statistical modeling, surveillance, and outbreak analytics. 

The Summer Institute in Statistics and Modeling in Infectious Diseases (SISMID)

SISMID is an educational program at Emory University, led by CIDMATH PIs Dr. Natalie Dean and Dr. Ben Lopman, that offers world-class training in advanced statistics and modeling techniques for infectious disease researchers, public health practitioners, and graduate students. Attendees choose from a variety of modules taught by experts in the field, which lets them tailor their learning experience to gain advanced and practical skills in disciplines they desire. SISMID also offers professional development opportunities through networking nights and lunch & learns. 

Learn more: SISMID Info 

Examples of past courses:

  • Mathematical Models of Infectious Diseases
  • Nowcasting and Forecasting Infectious Disease Dynamics
  • Introduction to Machine learning for infectious Disease Modeling
  • Dimulation-Based Inference for Epidemiological Dynamics
  • Viral Evolution, Selection and Diversity
  • R Tools for Rapid Outbreak Analytics

Outbreak Analytics (OA) Fellowship

An extension of the Rollins Epidemiology Fellowship, the OA Felloship is a 2-year opportunity for early-career epidemiologists focused on real-world outbreak response and surveillance analytics in the state of Georgia. Fellows develop advanced skills in outbreak modeling, surveillance analytics, and data-driven decision-making to strengthen Georgia’s public health response. Rooted in CIDMATH’s expertise, this program combines training with hands-on service, preparing fellows to tackle emerging threats at state and local levels. Three fellows are placed within the Georgia Department of Public Health and two local health districts, where they respond to real-time outbreaks and contribute to practice-based profects. Through their fellowship trainings, collaboration with feild epidemiologists and connection to CIDMATH mentors, fellows refine technical and leadership skills. Graduates will be prepared for advanced epidemiologist and public health leadership roles given their mastery of analytics tools for public health practices, portfolios of applied projects showcasing outbreak response impact, and conenctions to Georgia’s public health practitioners. 

Learn more: https://rollinsepifellows.org  

Brianna Thompson, MPH

Brianna Thompson, MPH

Outbreak Analytics Fellow (Georgia Department of Public Health)

brianna.thompson@emory.eduContact
Brenna Bowlen, MPH

Brenna Bowlen, MPH

Outbreak Analytics Fellow (Georgia Department of Public Health)

brenna.bowlen@gnrhealth.comContact
Cameron Goetgeluck, MPH

Cameron Goetgeluck, MPH

Outbreak Analytics Fellow (Georgia Department of Public Health)

Cameron.goetgeluck@emory.edu Contact

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

CIDMATH-EIP  Collaboration

Beginning in September 2024, through supplemental funding from Insight Net, CIDMATH and the Georgia Emerging Infections Program (EIP) began offering hands-on internships to several Rollins School of Public Health master’s students. Interns receive high-level training, giving them the confidence and skills to enter the public health workforce. 

This wonderful opportunity allows students to develop skillsets in:

  • Infectious disease surveillance
  • Process improvement
  • Data modernization and visualization

Under the mentorship of CIDMATH and EIP leaders, this collaboration strengthens the working relationship and data-sharing agreement between CIDMATH and EIP. 

Science Communication Fellowship

The Science Communication Fellowship (SCF) is an opportunity for epidemiology master’s students to build expertise in translating complex infectious disease research into accessible, high-impact communication products. Deliverables include infographics, newsletters, and social media content that amplify CIDMATH’s research.

Graduates leave the program with:

  • Advanced writing and data visualization skills
  • Website development experience
  • Portfolios showcasing multimedia science communication 

Following CIDMATH’s interdisciplinary approach, the program blends scientific rigor with creative storytelling, preparing students to communicate with academic, public health, and community audiences. 

CIDMATH Instagram

CIDMATH Student     Fellowship 

The CIDMATH Student Fellowship provides a structured research and training opportunity to Rollins School of Public Health master’s students. Fellows receive support in applied infectious disease modeling and analytics from expert faculty and the opportunity to complete a thesis.

This program:

  • Advances infectious disease modeling and analytics
  • Provides structured support and development to top students
  • Builds mentoring capacity among CIDMATH postdocs and PhD students 

Graduates leave the program with experience in data management, analysis, visualization, and dissemination in a real-world infectious disease modeling environment.Â