The current primary research focus of the Epidemiology and Population Studies Unit is to understand environmental risk factors for nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) disease by associating population data with environmental data and applying geospatial techniques. Our research group focuses on the epidemiology of NTM disease, including estimating the burden and trends of NTM in the United States, as well as risk factors for disease susceptibility and progression.
NTM are environmental mycobacteria typically acquired from soil and water. Thus, our research is interdisciplinary because we draw on expertise from other fields, including microbiology, geology, and climate science. Because NTM is not a reportable condition, we have identified other large, population-based datasets for estimating burden and trends. To identify risk factors for infection and disease, we identify large national and subnational human population datasets and link them to environmental and climate data. We are also involved in NTM clinical research related to identifying determinants of disease susceptibility and progression.
We are a dynamic and friendly group of Ph.D. epidemiologists and trainees with advanced training in epidemiologic study design and analysis and experience in public health settings, as well as clinical and laboratory research. Our group conducts research and mentoring in a collaborative environment and values a team approach.
D. Rebecca Prevots, Ph.D., M.P.H. (She/Her/Hers)
Chief, Epidemiology and Population Studies Unit
Education:
Ph.D., M.P.H., University of Michigan
Languages Spoken: French, Spanish, Portuguese

Samantha Bents, B.A. (She/Her/Hers)
Postbaccalaureate IRTA Fellow
Education:
B.A.,2022, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

Kam S. Ho, M.D. (He/Him/His)
Pulmonary Fellow
Education:
M.D., 2018, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
Languages Spoken: Cantonese

Jennifer Laurel Kwan, Ph.D. (She/Her/Hers)
Mathematical Statistician
Education:
Ph.D., Epidemiology, 2010, University of California Davis, CA
B.A., Biological Sciences, 2005, Whittier College, CA

Ettie M. Lipner, Ph.D., M.P.H. (She/Her/Hers)
Staff Scientist I
Education:
Ph.D., Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY
M.P.H., University of California Berkeley School of Public Health, Berkeley, CA
B.A., William Smith College, Geneva, NY

Julia E. Marshall, B.S. (She/Her/Hers)
Postbaccalaureate Fellow
Education:
B.S., 2021, Duke University, Durham, NC

Rachel A. Mercaldo, Ph.D. (She/Her/Hers)
Research Fellow
Education:
Ph.D., 2021, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA

Collin E. Powell, M.S. (He/Him/His)
Research Analyst
Education:
M.S., University of Colorado at Denver, Denver, CO
M.S., University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO
B.A., Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH
