This series spotlights the amazing students working with faculty from the YSPH Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases (EMD) department. In acknowledgement of World AIDS Day, observed each year on December 1, today we highlight a student conducting HIV-related research. Here, MPH student Dina Garmroudi tells us about the program and some of her exciting research in a Q&A format.

Please tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to pursue an MPH at the Yale School of Public Health?

Dina: During my time at Yale as an undergrad, I realized that I have a strong interest in preventing chronic diseases like cancer through nutrition and modulation of the gut microbiome, which led me to conduct research in this area. Doing microbiome research and volunteering with the HAVEN Free Clinic's Education Department solidified my desire to apply to a BA-BS/MPH program in the Chronic Disease Epidemiology Department! At the same time, I am super passionate about health equity, especially for justice-impacted individuals and crisis-affected populations, like refugees, and to pursue this interest I found a mentor in the EMD Department.

What is the current focus of your research?

Currently, I am working with EMD faculty member Dr. Kaveh Khoshnood on conducting a cross-sectional study on the ethics of observational HIV/AIDS research in humanitarian settings. We recently published a scoping review on the risk factors for HIV/AIDS acquisition in humanitarian settings, and I am working with the data we extracted on current ethical considerations taken in these settings while conducting HIV/AIDS research.

What are some of the most significant findings or innovations from your research on HIV/AIDS?

Research and global health ethics are incredibly important, especially for vulnerable populations. We have identified ten key principles/considerations that researchers currently take and are best practices for HIV research in humanitarian settings. We have also identified areas where ethics could play a more central role within research.

Which emerging trends or technologies in HIV-related research do you find most exciting?

I have noticed an increased interest in HIV research among populations in humanitarian settings, including the ethical dimensions of working with these populations.

How has the EMD Department supported your research and academic goals?

Although I am a CDE student, I have felt so supported by Dr. Khoshnood as my faculty mentor for my research with the EMD department. Dr. Khoshnood met with me early during my undergraduate years to hear about my interest in refugee health, and when I initially began working with him, he connected me with the Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS (CIRA) team at Yale. He supported my learning by guiding my thinking and asking me questions as I helped plan events for early career researchers on the ethics of HIV research in humanitarian settings. Through his support on a series of fellowship applications, he also helped me turn those projects into the research paper I am now helping finish up!

What advice would you give to prospective students considering applying to the EMD training programs at Yale?

I would say to try to get a better understanding of where your research and career interests lie before or while applying to the program so that you can craft your schedule, with the flexibility that YSPH gives you, to take classes that will not only broaden your knowledge base but will also help you actualize these goals. For example, I knew that I wanted a stronger understanding of the epidemiology of cancer, as well as global health and clinical trials. I would also encourage getting involved in volunteering, conducting research, and other applied public health activities to further solidify your interests.