From Stage to Science: An Entomologist’s Journey into Tick Surveillance and Public Health

Meet Katherine Brown: A Unique Journey in Entomology

Katherine Brown is a remarkable figure in the world of science. With a background in public health and a flair for performance, she has blended these passions into her role as the field research manager at the University of South Carolina’s Laboratory of Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases.

A Diverse Background

Katherine graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and a BFA in Musical Theatre. For over a decade, she danced professionally with major cruise lines and Broadway shows. It wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic that she felt the pull to use her skills in a new way. This led her back to academia to get her Master’s in Public Health, focusing on epidemiology.

Passion for Public Health

Now, Katherine’s work is essential to public health, especially in understanding vector-borne diseases. She oversees tick surveillance, improving trapping methodologies, and studying diseases like West Nile virus. In a world where tick populations are on the rise, her work is timely and crucial. According to the CDC, Lyme disease cases have more than doubled since the late 1990s, illustrating the growing need for effective disease control efforts.

A Serendipitous Shift

Katherine stumbled upon entomology unexpectedly. An article about invasive tick species piqued her interest, leading her to a graduate research role. She discovered a love for fieldwork, collaborating with local zoos, and developing novel surveillance projects. This mix of community engagement and scientific exploration truly fuels her passion.

Excitement for the Future

Katherine is currently pursuing a graduate certificate in medical entomology at the University of Florida, expanding her knowledge as she simultaneously works full-time. She believes that entomologists are becoming vital players in public health. As vector-borne diseases grow in prevalence, there’s a rising awareness of their impact on communities—something she is enthusiastic about contributing to.

Overcoming Challenges

As an early-career professional, Katherine has faced challenges, particularly when comparing herself with peers who’ve taken more traditional paths. Her advice? Everyone’s journey is unique, and it’s essential to embrace your pace. Age brings wisdom, which can be a critical advantage in scientific inquiry.

Balancing Creativity

Outside of her scientific endeavors, Katherine cherishes her connection to the performing arts. She actively participates in local theater, utilizing her creative skills to balance her science career. This outlet helps her remain grounded and inspired.

A Fascinating Fact

Katherine has a fun passion for the intersection of science and pop culture. She shares that the life cycle of the xenomorph from the Alien series was inspired by parasitoid wasps. This blending of interests showcases how science can weave into unexpected areas, engaging diverse audiences.

Katherine Brown’s unique blend of talents and experiences makes her an asset to both the scientific community and the performing arts. Her journey is a reminder of the various paths one can take in pursuing a fulfilling career.

For more insights into vector-borne diseases and public health efforts, you can visit the CDC’s page on tick-borne diseases.

Source link

careers,Early Career Professionals,entomology careers,Katherine Brown,performing arts,public health,Standout ECPs,ticks,Zachary Cohen