Member Insight – Nicolle Gatto
What sparked your decision to become an epidemiologist?
I’ve been a problem solver as far as I can remember, but reaching the point where I knew what I wanted to do with my career was based on a series of seemingly serendipitous steps. I “discovered” epidemiology during an MPH program I attended while trying to decide whether medical school was the right path for me. That program ultimately led to my work as a health economist, and through that job I realized that I was much happier when I was analyzing human health data than hospital financial data. After a couple years, I knew epidemiology was the perfect marriage of my analytical skills, and interest in health and research methods.
Where is your favorite place to vacation?
I’ve traveled to many incredible places and can’t name just one. Among the places I’ve been, a few stand out as those I will absolutely return to – Kruger National Park in South Africa, Ustron/Krakow in Poland, Tuscany, and the Amalfi Coast. I love my busy life in NYC and downtime with my family in northwest CT, but my heart belongs to beautiful Sacandaga Lake at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains.
Do you have any pets?
Yes, I have the most incredible brown Boston Terrier named Penelope. At 10 years old, she is now blind and toothless, has had spine and joint issues, and a number of injuries. Yet, she is the most resilient, adaptable and positive mammal I’ve encountered, including humans. I’d like to have a fraction of her resilience and energy. She inspires and impresses me endlessly.
Why did you join SER? What keeps you coming back?
I joined SER to surround myself by intellectually curious problem solvers and continue with the society to engage in the eternal dialogue around causal inference.
What advice do you give students who want to become epidemiologists?
Like most things in life, you don’t need to lock yourself in to one specialty area. Try a number of areas and make sure the epi path you choose allows you to think, be creative, and most importantly have some fun with your work.
Outside of epidemiology what do you enjoy doing?
Watching my energetic and incredibly spirited little boys (ages 3 and 5) during their “dance parties”
What is something that not many people know about you?
In my next (phase of) life, I plan to buy and renovate homes with incredible potential, and own a home décor studio in the country.