| ESA Newsletter - December 2024 | Greetings, Epi Family!
We’ve made it to the end of the semester… or at least the home stretch. As you navigate the whirlwind of final projects, exams, and deadlines, remember to pause and reflect on your growth and accomplishments over the past four months. Whether you mastered a new skill, tackled challenging coursework, or simply persevered out of spite, take pride in the progress you've made. Reflection is more than a mental exercise; it’s a chance to acknowledge your strengths and set the stage for future success.
As finals week approaches, don’t miss out on the stress-relief events hosted at the Iowa Memorial Union. Take advantage of opportunities to recharge, including free snacks, soothing massages, therapy dogs ready to lend a paw, and the legendary Pancake Man who - if you’re lucky - might choose you to catch one of his gravity-defying flapjacks. These little breaks can give you just the boost you need to get through the stress and keep going.
Most importantly, prioritize self-care during this intense period. Self-care isn’t indulgent; it’s essential. Whether it's dedicating a few minutes each day to a favorite hobby, listening to music, or going for a walk, find joy in the small moments. Check in with your friends, too - sometimes a simple text or coffee break can offer immense support.
The holiday season can be a time of joy and celebration, but it can also bring a mix of emotions. While some may feel excitement and connection, others might experience stress, loneliness, or uncertainty. Remember that not everyone’s experience looks the same. Consider taking a moment to reflect on how others might be experiencing this time of year, and how empathy and understanding can make a meaningful difference. A simple act of kindness - whether it’s checking in with a classmate, offering a listening ear, or sharing a study break - can go a long way. Sometimes, knowing someone cares can make all the difference.
Remember: perseverance, community, and self-compassion are key to finishing strong. You've got this! | | Epi Buddy Check-In Survey
We want to hear from you! Whether you’re loving your match or feel like things could be better, your feedback helps us make the Epi Buddy program the best it can be. Filling out the Epi Buddy Survey lets us know what’s working, what’s not, and if any tweaks are needed.
It only takes a few minutes, and your input really makes a difference!
Winter Break Wellness Opportunity
Looking to keep the momentum going over winter break? Consider investing in your well-being by joining Student Wellness’s Intro to Mindfulness Workshop. This virtual workshop, held on Mondays (December 23, 30, and January 6, 13) from 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM on Zoom, offers strategies for mindfulness, meditation, and stress management. It's a great opportunity to build habits that can support you throughout the year. Register today!
Opportunities in Action
Congratulations to Taeuk Kang, a first-year PhD student, for his acceptance into the India Winterim Program and for being awarded the Global Public Health Student Travel Grant!
Taeuk will be participating in the Water Poverty in Rural India program, where he’ll engage in hands-on fieldwork addressing water scarcity challenges in rural communities of the Mewat and Alwar districts. This intensive program explores how culture, economics, and environmental factors impact sustainable water resources in these regions.
Taeuk shared his excitement about the opportunity:
“It is my first semester here at the University of Iowa, and I am very excited to join the project addressing water scarcity in India (and it is funded!)”
Learn more:
Congratulations, Taeuk, and best of luck on this incredible journey! | | | | ESA adores her for more than just her cowboy-country playlists - Dr. Nichole Nidey’s passion for her students shines as brightly as her groundbreaking work on stigma and substance use. From championing the EMPOWER Project to mentoring the next wave of epidemiologists, she’s an inspiring force in the department and beyond. | | | They came, they analyzed, they conquered. Our Fall 2024 grads navigated milk safety protocols, firearm risks, bladder cancer care, and pandemic equity with grit, humor, and the occasional existential DAG crisis. Between late-night debriefs, life lessons, and endless coffee, they proved that Epi is as much about people as it is about p-values. We can’t wait to see them change the world! | | | | From icy roads to gloomy skies, Iowa winters are no joke - but Strike Force has your back! Prep your car kit, reserve a free light therapy lamp from Student Wellness, and stay ahead of the frost. Don’t let the cold get the best of you - gear up and glide through winter like a pro.
Interested in becoming a member of Strike Force? Apply here! | | | You’re leaving for break, but winter isn’t taking time off. Whether it’s drafty windows, frozen pipes, or a heater that hasn’t worked since last winter, your apartment could be one cold snap away from a Shakespearean tragedy.
Before winter turns your apartment into a waterlogged mess, weatherize now, so the only drama you return to is your 8 a.m. Epi 2 lecture. | | | | Think epidemiologists just analyze data? Think again. Dr. [NAME] takes on the ESA’s most prestigious stage in this Mad Lib adventure: the annual (and unofficial) talent show. Will they win the golden [NOUN] trophy, or will their [ADJECTIVE] performance fall flat? The ESA isn’t sponsored by Mad Libs... yet, but this might change everything. | | | |
