Jelonia Rumph Email & Phone Number

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

As an Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Officer at the CDC, I lead and contribute to epidemiologic investigations addressing public health crises, including outbreak investigations, environmental health risks, and disaster-related health assessments. My work involves utilizing advanced data analysis and epidemiological surveillance techniques to provide critical insights and develop public health interventions.Key Responsibilities and Achievements:-Outbreak and Field Investigations: Responded to 3 outbreak investigations and 3 rapid needs assessments, including Severe Illness Potentially Associated with Consuming Diamond ShruumzTM Brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, and Gummies, and Assessment of and response to worsening environmental contamination of the Tijuana River estuary and potential health impacts — San Diego, 2024.Data Analysis and Surveillance: I apply statistical software (SAS, R, Excel) and modeling techniques to analyze complex health data, helping to guide evidence-based decisions for public health responses.Health Communication: I translate complex scientific findings into clear, actionable messages for diverse audiences, creating fact sheets, reports, and public health recommendations.Training and Leadership: I provide leadership and technical training to staff, public health fellows, and colleagues during field investigations, enhancing team collaboration and investigation efficiency.Collaboration: I work with local and national public health agencies to coordinate response efforts and develop health-related informational materials, improving the effectiveness of public health interventions.Public Health Advocacy: I provide scientific advice on public health strategies and contribute to national and international health policy discussions based on my investigation findings.

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

As a Postdoctoral Fellow at Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health, I focused on molecular epidemiology, particularly studying the impacts of prenatal maternal mood disorders on child health outcomes. My research integrated biology, epidemiology, and statistical analysis to explore how maternal health factors influence fetal development and subsequent neurological outcomes in children.Key Responsibilities and Achievements:Molecular Epidemiology Studies: I designed and executed studies using data from a maternal and child health cohort to investigate the effects of prenatal maternal mood disorders on placental gene expression and neurological development in children.Data Analysis: I applied advanced statistical techniques (R, SPSS) and bioinformatics tools to analyze complex biological and health data, including differential gene expression and pathway analysis.Collaboration and Mentorship: I worked closely with interdisciplinary teams to integrate new statistical and bioinformatic methods into research projects.Research Dissemination: My research contributed to a first-author manuscript submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

As a Global Health Fellow, I provided technical assistance and scientific expertise in a maternal and child health field investigation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. My work focused on studying the effects of heavy metal exposure on mother-infant health, contributing to a deeper understanding of environmental health disparities.Key Responsibilities and Achievements:Field Research: I conducted non-invasive neurological and developmental exams and collected biological samples (urine) from mother-infant pairs to assess the impact of heavy metal exposure.Data Analysis and Interpretation: I led descriptive epidemiologic analyses using SPSS to evaluate the relationship between sociodemographic factors and heavy metal exposure profiles, identifying key health risks.Collaboration: I worked with an international team of scientists and health professionals, contributing to the design of the study and the interpretation of findings.Mentorship: I provided guidance to Global Health Fellows, advising on manuscript preparation and data analysis.

Greater Nashville Area, Tn

At Meharry Medical College, I pursued a Ph.D. in Biomedical Science, focusing on the effects of environmental toxicants on neonatal health. My research primarily explored how paternal preconception exposure to toxicants like dioxins contributed to adverse outcomes such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in neonates, using a murine model.Key Responsibilities and Achievements:Independent Research: Conducted studies investigating transgenerational effects of toxicant exposure, integrating toxicology, reproductive health, and environmental justice into my work.Publications: Authored 10 peer-reviewed publications, including 5 as the first author, and contributed to a literature review on environmental exposures and women's health disparities.Protocol Development: Developed two novel laboratory protocols to assess lung inflammation and disease progression in neonatal mice, advancing research capabilities in the lab.Leadership and Mentorship: Supervised and mentored high school and undergraduate students, many of whom progressed to medical or undergraduate programs, while leading a team for an invited literature review.Conferences and Recognition: Presented at national conferences and received accolades such as the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority HBCU Scholar Award and the Scientific Productivity Award.

Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States

At Florida Memorial University, I earned my Bachelor's degree in Biology, graduating magna cum laude. During my time there, I not only excelled academically but also took on leadership roles that enhanced my experience and contributed to the campus community.Key Responsibilities and Achievements:Academic Tutoring: I provided tutoring in subjects such as mathematics, biology, and writing, helping students improve their academic performance and study skills.Leadership: As President of the Science Club, I increased student participation by 50% and developed initiatives such as a student-run garden and partnerships with the Museum of Science and Discovery for volunteer opportunities.Research Experience: Conducted research on the effects of endocrine disruptors on plant growth, furthering my understanding of environmental health and toxicology.Awards and Recognition: Maintained a 3.5 GPA, earned travel awards for research presentations, and received the prestigious 40 under 40 award in 2021.

Atlanta, Georiga

As a participant in Project IMHOTEP, a CDC initiative aimed at training the next generation of public health leaders, I contributed to public health research and community health activities while gaining hands-on experience in epidemiology and public health practice.Key Responsibilities and Achievements:Research Support: Assisted with programmatic activities related to the health consequences of anthrax exposure, focusing on understanding its biological effects.Laboratory Work: Conducted biological research on the susceptibility of alveolar phagocytes to Bacillus anthracis surrogates, performing laboratory techniques such as cyto-immunofluorescence staining and fluorescent microscopy.Data Collection and Analysis: Collected and analyzed data, and translated research findings into reports and presentations for both scientific and lay audiences.Community Health Volunteering: Co-facilitated pop-up food pantries with the Atlanta Food Bank, helping to increase access to fresh produce for underserved communities.

Baltimore, Maryland Area

As an undergraduate researcher with the Diversity Summer Internship Program at Johns Hopkins University, I worked in the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, contributing to research focused on cardiac fibroblast functionality and its role in pericarditis.Key Responsibilities and Achievements:Laboratory Research: Investigated the effects of TH2 cytokines on cardiac fibroblast functionality using a murine model of pericarditis, performing techniques like necropsies, cell isolation, and flow cytometry.Data Collection and Analysis: Collected, analyzed, and interpreted data to assess cellular responses under inflammatory conditions, contributing to a better understanding of heart disease mechanisms.Research Communication: Presented research findings to colleagues and mentors through research papers and oral presentations at conferences.Professional Development: Participated in training sessions on environmental and social justice, public health, epidemiology, and health equity, further developing my interest in these areas.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Biological And Biomedical Sciences

Activities and Societies: Society of Toxicology, Endocrine Society, and the National Science Policy Network.My time at Meharry Medical.

Bachelor’S Degree, Biology, General

Activities and Societies: Royal Court (Miss Sophomore), Science Club President, Honors College, Lion Legacy Spring Break Service Project.