Courtney Long

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 […]

What sparked your decision to become an epidemiologist?  It really came down to one class in undergrad and my interest in getting an MPH. As a BSPH student at UNC, I was able to take some master’s-level courses at Gillings. One of them was a graduate-level epi course I took as part of my nutrition curriculum—and I loved it. Data analysis felt much more natural to me than working in the lab. I had originally decided on getting an MPH along and a medical degree and decided, focusing in on an MPH in epidemiology and never looked back. Over time, my original goal of becoming a physician shifted toward becoming a PhD-trained epidemiologist where I am about defend my dissertation in November 2025. What do you see as the biggest obstacle facing epidemiologists in the next five years?  One of the biggest challenges ahead is communicating and practicing good science in a world where trust in scientists has crumbled. As public health professionals, I think can do a better job of meeting the public where they are—listening to their concerns and engaging in real dialogue. Sometimes there’s this expectation that “because it’s science,” people will just accept it. Rebuilding trust […]