This series spotlights the amazing students in the YSPH Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases (EMD) program. This month focuses on students who are studying tuberculosis (TB). Here, 4th year PhD candidate Melanie Chitwood 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 a Ph.D. in the EMD Department at the Yale School of Public Health?
Melanie: I first came to Yale as a research associate in Ted Cohen’s group, and then was accepted into the PhD program to continue working with Ted. There was so much to like about EMD! There’s a strong culture of collaboration among the faculty and a really supportive and inclusive vibe among the students. I also love how multidisciplinary the department is! It’s been a great opportunity to learn about pressing problems in infectious disease from many different angles.
I leverage spatial and genomic data to model transmission dynamics and to understand the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance.
Melanie Chitwood
What is the current focus of your research?
I use modeling as a tool to understand TB epidemics. I leverage spatial and genomic data to model transmission dynamics and to understand the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. I’m also interested in how we can use modeling as a tool to improve surveillance and control measures.
What are some of the most significant findings or innovations from your TB research?
Part of my dissertation work is using phylogenetic models to estimate the transmissibility of a specific strain of drug resistant TB that is widespread in the Republic of Moldova. We estimate that this particular strain is spreading much more rapidly than other drug resistant strains in the country, and we identify several mutations that may explain the strain’s success. This study is important because we’re still learning why some drug resistant strains transmit so efficiently while others do not.
Which emerging trends or technologies in TB research do you find most exciting?
Whole genome sequencing data is an increasingly important tool for understanding TB transmission. Before my PhD, I hadn’t ever worked with these types of data. It’s been really exciting to do a deep dive into the literature and learn a whole new set of tools as part of my dissertation.
I think we’re still just scratching the surface on whole genome sequencing as a tool to understand TB transmission and improve surveillance.
Malanie Chitwood
Where do you see the field of TB research heading in the next few years, and what role do you hope your work will play in this future landscape?
I think we’re still just scratching the surface on whole genome sequencing as a tool to understand TB transmission and improve surveillance. Personally, I’m interested in how we can use this information to better target TB prevention and case detection to individuals and communities at highest risk of infection.
How has the EMD Department supported your research and academic goals?
The faculty in EMD are very supportive and always happy to answer questions or work through a problem! The weekly seminar series has also been a great opportunity to learn about new methods and meet with researchers in the field whom I might work with in the future.
What advice would you give to prospective students considering applying to the EMD training programs at Yale?
Oh my gosh, come join us! We’re curious people who are passionate about public health.