Member Insight: Yenisei Ramirez

What sparked your decision to become an epidemiologist?

I first got curious about epidemiology during my doctoral program—even though it wasn’t specifically focused on that area. As I started moving away from the usual trends in nutrition research, which often focus on individual-level factors, I became more interested in bigger-picture questions, like how the food environment shapes people’s choices. That shift got me into advanced epidemiological methods. With the support of my mentor at the time, Dr. Tonatiuh Barrientos Gutiérrez—an amazing social epidemiologist—I started getting more involved in the world of epidemiology.

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

One of the biggest obstacles is the rise of misinformation and declining public trust in epidemiologic science.

Do you have any pets?

A few years ago, we lost our sweet Nina, a beautiful border collie. Now, my parents have a dog named Dude—he’s such a loving guy. I’m still thinking about adopting a dog myself.

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

After completing my doctoral program, I was invited by a group of researchers in Mexico to help initiate a dialogue with SER to explore the possibility of establishing a regional chapter in Mexico. Since that moment—around 2022—I have been committed to being part of the SER community. My motivation goes beyond simply being a member; I am passionate about helping disseminate information about SER to Latin American epidemiologists and promoting the many ways it can support the professional growth of epidemiologists, public health researchers, and other health professionals in the region.

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

Don’t be afraid to explore and learn something new outside your original field—whether you’re a nutritionist, physician, economist, or anything else. It is never a bad time to start understanding and helping prevent diseases at the population level.

Outside of epidemiology what do you enjoy doing?

I really enjoy running and hope to run a marathon in the next few years! A good cup of coffee and read a novel always make me happy.

What is something that not many people know about you?

My name comes from a river, one of the longest in the world! It is part of the fifth-longest river system on the planet.