Member Insight – Nichole Austin

What sparked your decision to become an epidemiologist?

It was a very roundabout journey. I had an undergraduate degree in psychology but couldn’t jump straight into a graduate program for financial reasons. I spent several years working in bars, nightclubs, and non-profits before landing a job as a research assistant with a fantastic group doing work in pediatric palliative care. This brought me into a really exciting interdisciplinary space with clinicians, nurses, social workers, and (you guessed it!) epidemiologists. As soon as I heard the phrase “social determinants of health,” I was sold.

What do you see as the biggest obstacle facing epidemiologists in the next five years?

I think this is an opportune moment to capitalize on the pandemic-induced interest in our field, for better or for worse, and think more about how to effectively equip students with essential skills, translate findings, and optimize bridges between disciplines.

Do you have any pets?

I have an enormous black cat named Myers (after Michael Myers). I also have a child, who is sort of like a pet but not named after a horror icon. Missed opportunity.

Why did you join SER? What keeps you coming back?

I initially joined SER because my MSc supervisor told me to (thanks, Sam!). I keep coming back all these years later because it’s an awesome community full of brilliant, interesting people who are just as good at letting loose at the annual meetings as they are at epidemiology.

What advice do you give students who want to become epidemiologists?

Epidemiology can bring you down so many different paths, so I tell students this is a great option if you hate being bored, want to do some good in the world, and love a challenge. I also tell them that epidemiologic training teaches you to be a better, more critical thinker…and let’s be real, the world needs more of those.

Outside of epidemiology what do you enjoy doing?

I’m an avid gamer: I play Dungeons and Dragons regularly (which is cool now, I think?) and videogames whenever I can. I also love hanging out with my kiddo and baking fancy pastries.

What is something that not many people know about you?

Want to see a grown woman cry? Put me through a car wash.