Student Spotlight: Emma Reynolds
Emma was seeking a research path where she could apply both her interest in science and her care for people.
Meet Emma Reynolds
- Degree Program: MSPH
- Area of Interest: Child and Adolescent Health
- Hometown: Nashville, TN
- Previous Degrees Earned: BS In Biological Sciences, BA in Anthropology, Fordham University
What sparked your interest in public health?
In studying both biology and anthropology during undergrad, I found myself wishing for a research path where I could apply both my interest in science and my care for people. I loved doing ethnographic work and engaging with participant interviews, but I wished for more rigor in my work and statistical knowledge to make that happen. Public Health has been my Goldilocks!
Why did you choose Bloomberg School of Public Health?
I was really excited about the opportunities that come with working at an institution like Bloomberg. Working with incredible faculty, the associated medical center, and the scaffolding of support the school provides was unmatched.
What led you to join the Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health?
I became passionate about reproductive health studies during my undergraduate experience, and completed my senior thesis on the use of assisted reproductive technologies in the LGBTQ community. In addition to this interest, I think this department presents a lot of opportunities to consider different populations through frameworks I like, such as in thinking about the life course. I liked that I could explore many aspects of my interests under the PopFam umbrella.
I found myself wishing for a research path where I could apply both my interest in science and my care for people. Public health has been my Goldilocks!
What is one experience in PopFam that stands out as a favorite or most memorable?
I’ve met so many great people through the PopFam! Between my MSPH cohort, PhD students, and the faculty, everyone is a friendly face and makes the huge public health school feel smaller. It's very special to form connections with people who have similar goals and passions, and use that support to get through the challenges of graduate school.
Tell us about your field placement.
My field placement has been a continuation of my research assistant positions outside of the department. First, with Amrita Rao, PhD, ScM, on a project assessing the impact of direct cash transfers on youth homelessness and associated health outcomes. The second is with Sheree Schwartz, PhD, MPH, looking at HIV prevention in South Africa for sex worker populations and adolescents.
You also work a research assistant. What has that been like?
My research assistant experience has been working on the projects for my practicum, as well as assisting Celia Karp, PhD, on a scoping review of the literature on Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy.
I have also been a part of the HIV Testing SOURCE internship program, and am a volunteer intern at the Pride Center of Maryland, working with the Baltimore community to increase knowledge of PrEP and empower Baltimoreans with their HIV status.
What do you hope to do or accomplish after graduation?
I am currently applying to medical school and hope to matriculate in the Fall of 2026. I hope to continue working in research while engaging in clinical care.
What are some of your favorite places, experiences, or aspects of living in Baltimore?
I love the community art aspect of Baltimore. I participated in a water ballet this summer with Fluid Movement, a community synchronized swimming group in the city. I also am a part of the LGBTQ+ choral group New Wave Singers. Baltimore is a special place in that there is a space for anyone and everyone, and I encourage anyone new to the city to find opportunities like this to connect with your community.
What advice do you have for a prospective student interested in joining the PFRH community?
Advice I would give is to be open-minded! Give yourself the opportunities to broaden your interests and experiences. There are so many fantastic opportunities at the Bloomberg School of Public Health and within the Department, and you should be open to all of them. Read all of the emails, talk to faculty about their research, stay after class and ask questions, and you might find something you didn’t know you were interested in getting involved with.
