Member Insight: Anthony Nixon

What sparked your decision to become an epidemiologist? 

When I was living in Minneapolis and participating in the CDC Public Health Associate Program, I met several epidemiologists. One thing that stood out to me was how often data about Black communities was being used without engaging with or understanding the lived experiences behind the numbers. That realization pushed me to become an epidemiologist to bring both rigor and relationship to the work, making sure data reflects the people it represents.

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

Developing new methodologies that can capture the complexity of our social world. We’re increasingly being asked to study intersections — structural racism, climate, economics, behavior — all at once. The challenge will be building approaches that keep up with that complexity without losing clarity or meaning..

Do you have any pets? 

Not yet — but I’d love a dog someday. Either a standard schnauzer, a cavapoo, or a golden doodle with a black curly coat. Basically, something friendly and full of personality, the kind of dog that’s simply a joy to come home to.

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

I joined SER because it felt like a collective of thinkers who care deeply about both science and society. SER provides a space where public health researchers can exchange ideas across disciplines, fostering collaboration, mentorship, and innovation in the field. What keeps me coming back is the community. It motivates me to do better work.

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

Keep going. Work on yourself as much as you work on your skills. Learn how to think critically, ask bold questions, and stay curious. The field needs people who not only analyze data but also understand the stories it tells and the systems it reflects.

Outside of epidemiology what do you enjoy doing? 

Riding my bike, seeing new architecture, going to a new museum, reading a good nonfiction book, traveling, and having deep, interesting conversations with new people. Basically, anything that lets me learn something new — or see the world from a different angle.

What is something that not many people know about you? 

In my spare time, I write jokes and work on my stand-up comedy routine. Here’s one, what’s an epidemiologist’s favorite exercise? Running regressions.