Member Insight: Stephanie Shiau 

What sparked your decision to become an epidemiologist? 

I first learned about the field of public health as an undergraduate. I became fascinated by the concept that data and patterns could be used to understand disease and improve health at the population level. That combination of scientific inquiry and real-world impact inspired me to pursue a career in epidemiology.

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

One of the biggest challenges will be evolving our methodological toolbox nimbly enough to adapt to the rapidly changing world around us, while also maintaining our identity as a discipline. As we embrace new data sources, technologies, and analytic approaches, it’s important that we continue to ground ourselves in the core principles that make epidemiology unique.

Do you have any pets? 

Nope! I have my hands full taking care of my two kids, who keep me plenty busy!

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

I joined SER to connect with other epidemiologists and to contribute to the field through service and mentorship. What keeps me coming back are the people, the sense of community, and opportunities to support the next generation of epidemiologists through my work on the SER Mentoring Committee and other SER initiatives.

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

Study something that genuinely makes you curious. Learn the methods, but don’t lose sight of the stories behind the data. The best epidemiologists are driven by questions they care deeply about answering.

Outside of epidemiology what do you enjoy doing? 

I love running, cooking and eating good food, and spending time with my family and friends.

What is something that not many people know about you?

You can occasionally spot me in stock photos on Runner’s World. It’s become a fun game of “Where’s Waldo?” whenever someone comes across one.