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, Charlene Jamie Miciano, BA ’24, MPH ’25, 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 MPH in the EMD Department at the Yale School of Public Health?
Charlene: I am a joint degree (BA-MPH) student majoring in Sociology with a concentration in Health and Society at Yale College and pursuing the Public Health Modeling Concentration at YSPH. I was inspired to pursue BA-MPH in EMD because of the way research is taken beyond the classroom, lab, and realm of academia. From influencing social and economic policy to addressing disparities in LMICs, I found it to be so inspiring that the work done in EMD had on-the-ground, social implications.
What is the current focus of your research?
Currently, I am working with Professor Jonathan Smith on using PEPFAR (U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) data to understand the impacts of Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment for people living with HIV.
What are some of the most significant findings or innovations from your TB research?
In 2022, I did a study abroad with Professor Jonathan Smith in South Africa where my fellow students and I created a short-film documentary about the burden of injectable TB treatment on people with MDR-TB. Through this process, we were shocked to learn about what it took for the treatment guidelines for drug-resistant TB to change. From interviewing TB activists and South African Department of Health officials, we saw what went into the WHO's landmark guideline change from the perspective of those most affected.
The EMD department has given me the flexibility to combine my interests in sociology and epidemiology.
Charlene Miciano.
How has the EMD Department supported your research and academic goals?
The EMD department has given me the flexibility to combine my interests in sociology and epidemiology. I have also met many wonderful students in other degree programs, post-docs, and research scientists because of the collaborative community that EMD fosters. Finally, my EMD professors have been incredibly helpful in answering questions about research and offering guidance about my future academic and career goals.
What advice would you give to prospective students considering applying to the EMD training programs at Yale?
Do not hesitate to reach out to students and professors! There were many instances where I wish I had reached out sooner but did not because of imposter syndrome. Everyone is very willing to help especially if you are genuinely passionate about your work.