05/28/2021

Member Spotlight - Katelyn Jetelina

Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences at the University of Texas Health Science Center, School of Public Health

How did you get the idea to start “Your Local epidemiologist” on Facebook?

In March 2020, I was keeping very close tabs on COVID-19 transmission across the globe, and I had access to some WHO data sources. Late at night I would run graphs and projections for the United States (this was before we had all the amazing dashboards!). The dean of my school knew I was doing this work and asked me to update faculty, staff, and students on the current state of affairs every day. After a few days, my students strongly suggested that I started a Facebook page, in which I called Your Local Epidemiologist. The rest is history!

Why do you think Your Local Epidemiologist is so popular (nearly 200,000 Facebook followers)?

I (unknowingly at the time) identified a major gap: A significant lack of scientific “translation” for the layman. Non-scientific (or even scientific) community members could not keep up with the firehose of information, which caused (and still is causing) a lot of anxiety, confusion, and misinformation.

What are some lessons you have learned through Your Local Epidemiologist about communication in the field of injury & violence prevention?

Communication is a two-way street. We hear this with marriage, but the same is true for science. Throughout the pandemic, we have been doing a lot of “telling” without a lot of “listening.” I think if we did both -  early on, consistently, and concisely - we would have had a much better public health success in the United States. I think this is the same with injury and violence prevention. We need to bring the community along for the ride. For example, why is gun violence a public health issue? Why has it never been studied? What are we doing now? How will this help in the future?

What are your areas of interest within injury and violence prevention?

My expertise is integrating violence prevention into the healthcare setting. Basically, researching and advocating that violence exposure is a social determinant of health. Specifically, I focus on improving the detection, treatment, and referral pathways for populations exposed to violence, like child abuse, intimate partner violence, police exposed to traumatic calls for service, and human trafficking. As you can imagine, the intersect of the pandemic with this work has been more than interesting. 

What has been your favorite part about being involved with SAVIR?

I’ve been with the organization since I was a little Master’s student all the way to now (faculty going up for tenure soon). SAVIR is the MOST supportive community I have ever come in contact with and I couldn’t have gotten to where I am without it. BY FAR my favorite part is meeting all of the experts in the field. I still pinch myself that I’m able to rub shoulders with them, have coffee with giants at the conference, and learn from their career lessons. Everyone does such a great job not being intimidating.    

What do you do in your free time?

What’s free time? :) Just kidding. I absolutely love spending time with my family. I have two little girls (22 months and 7 months), who just bring me the most joy. Pre-pandemic…my husband and I love to travel! We have been to over 50 countries.