Please tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to pursue a Ph.D./MPH in the EMD Department at the Yale School of Public Health?
Alyssa: I am in the 5-year joint degree program pursuing a BS in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and an MPH in the EMD Department. I decided to pursue an MPH in EMD because I wanted to approach my scientific research with a holistic understanding of the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence disease spread and population health. Biologically, infectious diseases have the potential to infect almost anyone which has made me want to understand why certain populations are repeatedly impacted so severely and what we can do to prevent this.
What is the current focus of your research?
Currently, I work on malaria vaccine candidates in Amy Bei’s lab. I am specifically investigating how mutations in the malaria parasite could impact the efficacy of the immune response generated by these vaccines.
What are some of the most significant findings or innovations from your vaccine research?
We have identified a number of mutations in these vaccine candidates through surveillance of malaria parasites in endemic populations. Some of the mutations have been shown to allow the malaria parasite to evade the immune system, an observation that suggests that vaccine-induced immunity may not be fully protective against these strains. This research will hopefully inform the design of more effective and potent vaccines.
I think improved surveillance techniques combined with mRNA vaccines are going to make addressing pandemics and variations in diseases happen so much faster than we could have imagined before.
Alyssa Agarwal
Which emerging trends or technologies in vaccine research do you find most exciting
I think improved surveillance techniques combined with mRNA vaccines are going to make addressing pandemics and variations in diseases happen so much faster than we could have imagined before. I also think that increasing capacity for vaccine manufacturing in low- and middle-income countries will greatly increase vaccine access and start closing the gap in vaccine inequity.
Every day, the countless speakers, workshops, and discussions fuel my curiosity and passion for improving public health.
Alyssa Agarwal
How has the EMD Department supported your research and academic goals?
The most valuable things the EMD department has provided me are great mentorship and individual relationships. So many professors and students have helped me grow my interests and continually guided me to new ideas and opportunities. Every day, the countless speakers, workshops, and discussions fuel my curiosity and passion for improving public health.
What advice would you give to prospective students considering applying to the EMD training programs at Yale?
Apply! It is one of the most supportive and action-driven communities I have been a part of. You will find a team of people in your corner for any topic you are interested in pursuing