Ellen Vermes Email & Phone Number

Chattanooga, Tn, Us

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Specializing in quantitative and qualitative research methodology and public health program implementation including analyzing data from multifaceted surveys, developing methodology for a complex range of study designs, conducting thorough data analyses, and writing results for publication. Currently serving as a data analyst and study statistician for several federal contracts with Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).o Position involves contributing to the development of:- data management and data analyses plans- procedures for data collection (including recommendations among different sampling plans, data sources, and cost/time investments)- written and visual reports- proposal and grant submissions

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Assisted with data collection and analysis of qualitative data for Emory’s InGEAR project. Aim was to examine contextual factors and characteristics of Lifestyle Coaches and Master Trainers associated with participant engagement and retention in the National Diabetes Prevention Program. Tasks included:- Conducting in-depth interviews; - De-identifying in-depth interview transcripts; - Assisting with codebook development; - Coding data; - Performing thematic data analysis.

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Analyzed quantitative data relating to women's empowerment in Helen Keller International’s Food and Agricultural Approaches to Reducing Malnutrition (FAARM) project in Bangladesh. Project goal was to assess how FAARM influenced self-efficacy of female trial participants. Responsibilities included:- Conducting a literature review on self-efficacy and decision making;- Conducting data analyses (exploratory data review, bivariate association assessment, and multivariable regression modeling);- Compiling results from analyses as a component of Helen Keller International's program evaluation.

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Independently monitored a lab group of ten students for a graduate-level qualitative research methods course at Rollins School of Public Health. Course aims were to provide students with the principals and skills of collecting rigorous qualitative data. Position involved:- Reinforcing course aims through weekly lab sessions;- Providing input on grading of assignments and presentations; - Corresponding with students to address confusion about course topics and projects; - Tracking participation, attendance, and assignment submission throughout the semester.

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Contributed to the design and implementation of the Farm to School Club program, and led programming at one of Ladybug for Girls' partner schools. Designed lessons and activities to improve nutrition literacy, ecological awareness, and food system knowledge - engaging students using STEM principals and hands-on projects such as planting vegetables in a school garden. Ultimate goal was to empower young girls with the skills and confidence they need to build a healthy life. Additionally attended events led by CARE International, the World Affairs Council of Atlanta, and Atlanta Regional Collaborative for Health Improvement on behalf of Ladybug for Girls to advocate for early childhood education and assess potential community partnerships.

Mongolia

Facilitated the development of health lesson curriculum and survey methodology for 6th-12th graders at 5th School by leading a team of school administrators and teachers. Goal of each lesson was to provide useful skills to empower students in decision making. Secondary projects included 1) the development of a community health network in yurt districts outside the city to increase awareness and use of sanitary defecation practices, 2) a city-wide peer education sexual and reproductive health workshop series focusing on biological awareness, consent, and relationship communication, and 3) an air-quality research project with a high-school girls club to inspire the pursuit of STEM education.

Received full funding for thesis fieldwork in Dharamsala, India. Final thesis themes included the responsibility to uphold cultural traditions; physical, political, and cultural insecurity in India; changing value structures; and the influence of Westerners in the Tibetan diaspora.

Dharamsala, India

Designed and implemented original thesis research based on volunteer work conducted the previous year. Semi-structured interviews and field notes were used to understand the lived experiences of health in a Tibetan refugee community. Project goal was to better inform local foreign-led health initiatives by exploring the significance of Tibetan identity and communal displacement narratives.

Dharamsala, India

Project assistant for a Tibetan-run NGO in Dharamsala dedicated to serving the local Tibetan refugee community. Projects involved assisting with the HIV Awareness campaign and conducting a qualitative research report of the LHA soup kitchen. Additionally taught English language classes for newly-arrived Tibetans three times a week.

Tibetan Refugee Communities In Nepal And India

Assisted in interview guide development, interview facilitation and filming of a Johnson State College student’s documentary exploring the adaptation of Tibetan Buddhist practices in exile. As a part of this research, conducted short-term volunteer work in refugee communities throughout Nepal and India.

Master'S Degree, Global Epidemiology

Bachelor'S Degree, Epidemiology And Medical Anthropology Concentration