EPI Alumna’s Research on the Association Between Seasons and Food Intake

During Rajashree’s first year of her Masters, she started working with Dr. Wu, a professor in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. Rajashree conducted literature reviews and summarized the literature for Dr. Wu. Rajashree researched past literature to look for an association between seasonality and red meat, fruits, and water intake. In February of 2021, Rajashree was published as a co-author in The Journal of Clinical Medicine. This study emphasizes the current 2020-2030 Strategic Plan for National Institutes of Health (NIH) Nutrition Research to encourage people to pay more attention to when and what they eat.

Rajashree completed her capstone project in May of 2021 on the association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and body mass index. Her past research experience with Dr. Wu allowed this process to be more straightforward, as she had gained experience in the research world. On top of graduating, she was a Hanlon Award nominee in 2021, a prestigious award given to top graduates in her program.

Today, Rajashree works as an Epidemiology Analyst at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and as a research specialist with Dr. Wu at San Diego State University’s research foundation. Rajashree’s experience conducting research during her Master’s has familiarized her with literature reviews, data analyses, and research writing. Her goal is to work for the people, protect the health of the community in order to reduce the risk of disease, and prevent emerging diseases. As a healthcare and public health professional, she looks forward to actively participating in research and improving public health.