The current primary research focus of the Epidemiology and Population Studies Section is to understand population-based risk factors for nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) disease by associating population data with large-scale geographic datasets and applying geospatial analytic techniques. Our research group focuses on the epidemiology of NTM disease, including estimating the burden and trends of NTM in the United States, as well as risk factors for disease susceptibility and progression.
NTM are mycobacteria typically acquired from soil and water. Thus, our research is interdisciplinary because we draw on expertise from other fields, including microbiology and geology. Because NTM is not a reportable condition, we have identified other large, population-based datasets for estimating burden and trends. To identify risk factors for infection and disease, we identify large national and subnational human population datasets and link them to geographic data. We are also involved in NTM clinical research related to identifying determinants of disease susceptibility and progression.
We are a dynamic and friendly group of Ph.D. epidemiologists and trainees with advanced training in epidemiologic study design and analysis and experience in public health settings, as well as clinical and laboratory research. Our group conducts research and mentoring in a collaborative environment and values a team approach.
D. Rebecca Prevots, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Senior Investigator, Epidemiology and Population Studies Section
Contact: For contact information, search the NIH Enterprise Directory.
Education:
Ph.D., M.P.H., University of Michigan
Languages Spoken: French, Portuguese, Spanish
Jennifer Laurel Kwan, Ph.D.
Mathematical Statistician
Contact: For contact information, search the NIH Enterprise Directory.
Education:
Ph.D., Epidemiology, 2010, University of California Davis, CA
B.A., Biological Sciences, 2005, Whittier College, CA
Ettie M. Lipner, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Staff Scientist I
Contact: For contact information, search the NIH Enterprise Directory.
Education:
Ph.D., Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY
M.P.H., University of California Berkeley School of Public Health, Berkeley, CA
B.A., William Smith College, Geneva, NY
Rachel A. Mercaldo, Ph.D.
Research Fellow
Contact: For contact information, search the NIH Enterprise Directory.
Education:
Ph.D., 2021, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
Collin E. Powell, M.S.
Research Analyst
Contact: For contact information, search the NIH Enterprise Directory.
Education:
M.S., University of Colorado at Denver, Denver, CO
M.S., University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO
B.A., Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH
Christopher S. Semancik, M.P.H., B.S.
Postbaccalaureate Fellow
Contact: For contact information, search the NIH Enterprise Directory.
Education:
M.P.H., Epidemiology/Biostatistics, 2023, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
B.S., Biology, 2022, Tufts University, Medford, MA
Languages Spoken: Spanish
