218: Statistical and Behavioral Epidemiologist with Dr. Sitara Weerakoon, PhD, MPH

Public Health Careers podcast episode with Dr. Sitara Weerakoon, PhD MPH
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📲 Sitara Weerakoon, PhD MPH
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Sitara Weerakoon, PhD MPH is a Statistical and Behavioral Epidemiologist.

She is Associate Research Scientist in the Substances and Sexual Health Lab at Yale School of Public Health and Co-founder of @doughnuts_and_data and online platform sharing all things epidemiology and statistics.

She conferred a Bachelor of Public Health and French from Austin College in Texas.  Master of  Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Texas. PhD in Epidemiology also from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX. 

In today’s episode you’ll hear and learn more about
1. Dr. Sitara Weerakoon journey as a behavioral epidemiologist focusing on substance misuse and mental health among teens
2. The value she learnt about academia through engaging in postdoctoral research
3. Tips for research writing and the rewarding process of writing papers that contribute to knowledge growth of certain topic.
4. How publicly available data can be a valuable resource for research.
5. Her thought process for thinking through her next steps in academic vs industry roles

And much much more!

Chapters:
@0:00 Trailer
@3:15 Identity and personal background
@3:58 Behavioral epidemiologist 
@10:36 Lessons from sharing your PhD journey 
@13:00 How has this been helpful for you
@17:12 What does public health mean to you?
@20:55 Overview of your journey up until your doctorate degree
@25:55 PhD in Epidemiology also from UT Health 
@33:24 Postdoctoral Research Fellow for Yale University School of Medicine
@43:15 Adjunct Professor at Southern Connecticut State University
@44:08 Associate Research Scientist at Yale School of Public Health '
@51:11 Connect & future predictions
@53:22 The Furious Five 

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