Monica Rivera is a recent Master of Public Health in Epidemiology (with a certificate in Data Science) graduate of Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health. She began as a mentee for Dr. Maisha Standifer after participating in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention John R. Lewis Undergraduate Public Health Scholars program, Project Imhotep at Morehouse College.

Since August 2021, Monica has worked at the Satcher Health Leadership Institute (SHLI) and participated in other projects, including Ending the HIV Epidemic. Monica has supported Dr. Standifer and SHLI projects at conferences, in community and local outreach, and at academic events. She has also worked with public health and healthcare professionals and students through publications, mentorship, and teaching.

Monica’s skills, knowledge, and experience span health policy, epidemiology, biostatistics, and social and behavioral sciences. Her passion for data science, health equity, and genetics makes her an interdisciplinary expert. Monica has worked across a range of health topics, such as HIV, medical cannabis, lung cancer, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, autism spectrum disorder, dementia, gerontology, and caregiving. Monica’s purpose is to continue serving the public and supporting those in need. She prioritizes the communities she represents, including low-income, immigrant, first-generation, non-native English-speaking, and student communities. Whether extracting and cleaning datasets, coding, designing community programs, writing grants, or publishing manuscripts, Monica hopes to inspire others like her to pursue research and a career in public health through her work. Monica strongly believes public health is a never-ending battle and that health is political. She will always advocate for universal healthcare and for lifting up underrepresented and underserved communities.