SPC President’s Message

Greetings,

My name is Anthony J. Nixon, Jr. I’m excited to step into the role of President of the SER-Student & Post-Doc Committee (SER-SPC)! Our mission is simple yet powerful: to support your journey in epidemiology by providing opportunities for learning, growth, and connection. Whether it’s resources, networking, or a space to share ideas, SPC is here for you.

First, I want to extend a heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Alvin Thomas, who now transitions to our SPC Past President. His guidance and dedication over the past year have made a meaningful difference for our committee. I also want to thank the entire 2024–2025 SPC Board for their energy and service. I am equally thrilled to introduce Tendai Gwanzura as our new President-Elect. We’re lucky to have you.

A warm welcome to all our new and returning 2025–2026 SPC Board: Xuexin Yu and Megan Cupp Buxton, Education Co-Chairs; Ariadne Rivera-Aguirre, Internal Affairs Chair; Meghana Shamsunder, Diversity and Inclusion Chair; Jessee Beetch and Amy Zheng, Media Co-Chairs; and Anlan Cao and Gina Nam, Program Co-Chairs.

Think of SPC as your community within SER. Whether you’re a student, postdoc, or early career epidemiologist or someone working in industry, you’re already part of this group the moment you join SER. Our board works hard to organize events, create resources, and provide opportunities for connection, but SPC is so much more than just the leadership team. It thrives on the ideas, energy, and contributions of all its members. This is a space where your questions, your curiosity, and your unique perspective matter.

If something sparks your interest, whether that’s a new event, a resource you wish existed, or a project that could benefit others… we want to hear from you. Don’t hesitate to reach out, even if it’s just to explore what volunteering with SPC might look like or to brainstorm ideas. Your involvement helps shape, not just our programming, but the culture and spirit of SPC itself. Every idea, big or small, can make an impact, and we are committed to supporting you in turning your ideas into reality. Being part of SPC also means joining a network of peers who are navigating similar challenges and opportunities. It’s a chance to meet others, share experiences, and learn from each other in a supportive environment. Together, we can build a community that empowers everyone to grow, connect, and thrive.

Looking ahead, we are excited about the year to come and the opportunities it holds. We look forward to the Mid-Year Virtual Meeting and the 2026 SER Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. We can’t wait to celebrate your successes and work together to make this a year full of collaboration, creativity, and positive impact.

These are challenging times, and navigating early career paths isn’t always easy. But know this: you are not alone. We are in this together, and SPC is here to support you. Let’s keep building a vibrant, supportive community that lifts one another up.

With optimism and hope,

Anthony J. Nixon, Jr.

SER-SPC President