SER President’s Message

It is June, and we are a week out from our annual meeting.  In the almost 30 years since I attended my first SER meeting, this time of year has always been full of the excitement of poster prep, fine-tuning presentations, and simply looking forward to seeing friends and colleagues from different institutions.  This year is both the same, yet quite different.  I won’t enumerate the many ways that we have all been impacted by recent federal actions, but it is clear that none of us is unscathed.   On April 30th we held a virtual Town Hall and were able to hear the experiences of some SER members.  We have now planned a follow-up in-person event during the annual meeting.  Organized by members of the D&I Committee, the Town Hall will be held on Wednesday June 11th, at 12:15pm.  Please join us if you can.  If not, there will be additional virtual gatherings in the coming months. 

Despite the heaviness of the current moment, I still feel the hope and excitement of the upcoming meeting.  I look forward to gathering with some of the best academic minds in the world and celebrating our collective excellence.  We have planned an exciting conference with a wide selection of workshops and sessions that will offer something for everyone.  Our keynote speakers include Kimberly Atkins Stohr of the Boston Globe and NBC News, and Gretchen Goldman of the Union for Concerned Scientists.  It is my hope that each of these speakers will provide a new perspective on our roles as epidemiologists within the current political climate. For those who are unable to travel to Boston, all sessions scheduled for the main two ballrooms, including the Plenary sessions, will be livestreamed and recorded. 

I am also looking forward to all of the students and first-time attendees to SER who will join us in Boston.  On May 7th the SPC hosted a webinar “What to expect at your first SER Meeting”.  In case you missed it, or you know someone who would benefit from viewing it in advance of the meeting, the recording can be found here.   

“Joy is an act of resistance” – Toi Derricotte 

Let’s not forget the importance of joy.  I have said many times before, we must lean into that which brings us joy, fulfillment, and peace. On Monday evening there will be a Red Sox game at nearby Fenway Park, and on Wednesday morning the annual SER Fun Run.  Finally, I invite all attendees to join me for a celebratory Presidential Reception on Wednesday evening following Poster Session 2. As promised, it will be “lit”! 

For those who will be staying in Boston after the meeting, Boston Pride festivities will kick-off on Saturday June 14th in Copley Square, a few short blocks from the Sheraton Hotel.  More information can be found here. 

In this, my final letter as President, I wish to thank Past-President Bill Miller and President-Elect Wendy Nembhard for their wisdom, guidance, and partnership over the last year.  Bill, I’ll be joining you soon; and Wendy, you got this!   

On July 1st, we will welcome President-Elect Brian Whitcomb, SPC President-Elect Tendai Gwanzura, and Member-at-Large, Milena Gianfrancesco.  We are grateful for the service of Nedghie Adrien and Laura Balzer. 

And of course, a major “thank you” to Sue Bevan, Courtney Long, and the Board for keeping the SER ship sailing.   

Finally, I thank the SER membership for entrusting me with this honor.  I look forward to thanking you all in-person, in Boston. 

All my best, 

Yvette