From Pandemic Prevention to Public Education: The Journey of Epidemiologist Katelyn Jetelina

Katelyn Jetelina, an epidemiologist at the University of Texas, was tasked by her boss to send daily email updates to staff, faculty, and students during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, she thought it would only be for six weeks, but four years later, her free newsletter, Your Local Epidemiologist, has become a valuable source of information for about 230,000 people in 100 countries.

Jetelina’s newsletters started as informal emails with basic Excel graphs aimed at explaining the new virus to a concerned audience. As the pandemic progressed, her newsletters evolved to cover a wider range of public health topics including mental health and gun violence. Jetelina’s passion for teaching shines through in her newsletters as she aims to educate the public on the complexities of public health.

Now working as a scientific-communications consultant for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Jetelina is expanding her reach beyond her newsletter. She has raised funds to start a nonprofit that will support and amplify the work of other scientists who are dedicated to public education. Jetelina believes that visibility is crucial for the field of public health as its successes are often unseen.

Jetelina’s dedication to educating the public about public health issues has made her a respected figure in the field. Her efforts continue to provide valuable information to a global audience, showcasing the importance of clear and accessible health communication.