Graduate Profile: Q&A with Karolina Edlund
Name: Karolina Edlund
Area of Research: Reproductive and Perinatal Epidemiology (RPE)
Degree: Masters of Science (SM2)
Current Role: PhD Student in Population Health Sciences, Harvard Chan School
Please respond to the following questions:
- What did you do before pursuing your graduate degree?
Prior to the Harvard Chan School, I worked as a clinical research coordinator at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, studying the effects of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid supplementation among children with autism. Before that, I attended Kenyon College, where I majored in anthropology and neuroscience while on an opera performance scholarship. - What attracted you to the program at Harvard?
I was drawn to the Harvard Chan School by the work of exceptional faculty in reproductive epidemiology, namely Janet Rich-Edwards, and her research on adverse pregnancy outcomes. I was especially impressed by the SM2 in Epidemiology program’s emphasis on methodological training in life course theory and causal inference, and also excited by the prospect of conducting research in cohorts like the Nurses’ Health Study II. - What surprised you the most about being a graduate student in your chosen research program?
I was surprised by the cohesiveness of our SM2 in Epidemiology cohort. Areas of specialization within the program are not siloed. Rather, all students complete a sequence of core courses together. This shared curriculum supports the development of strong professional (and social) networks among peers from diverse specializations that I have found to extend well beyond graduation. In my experience, my interests in RPE primarily determined my academic advisor (Janet Rich-Edwards), my choice of elective courses, and the focus of my master’s thesis. - Why do you think your research area is important to public health?
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among women. Preterm delivery affects more than 1 in 10 births. Relative to those without, women with a history of preterm delivery face twice the risk of CVD-related mortality, yet the mechanistic pathways underlying this association remain unclear. This knowledge gap bears important implications for the population-level prevention of chronic disease and is the focus of my research on clinical preterm delivery subtypes and CVD risk factors, such as maternal chronic hypertension and type 2 diabetes. - What suggestions would you have for someone interested in applying for this research area?
Before applying, I would recommend setting aside time to read faculty publications, search affiliated grants on the NIH RePORTER website, and speak with current students and alumni. Please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m always happy to chat!
I am also an advocate for specialization through exploration. A two-year master’s program offers the unique benefit of time, allowing students to discover new interests within the broader field of reproductive, perinatal, and pediatric epidemiology. I would encourage applicants to be open to such exploration. As a master’s student, I had the opportunity to complete a policy-focused independent study on “Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and children’s mental health,” while writing my thesis on “Clinical preterm delivery subtypes and chronic hypertension among women in the Nurses’ Health Study II.” - How has your time in the program influenced your career path?
As an SM2 in Epidemiology student, I was exposed to a range of potential careers across government, industry, and academia. As my love for population-based research solidified, I grew sure that I wanted to pursue a PhD in Social Epidemiology. Ultimately, my time in the SM2 program provided me with mentorship and direction, opportunities to serve as a teaching fellow, and a methodological skillset with applications across maternal and child health. - Anything else that you would like to share about your experience at Harvard Chan School?
The School is home to so many resources. I have especially enjoyed engaging with the interdisciplinary academic concentrations including, among others, Population Mental Health and Women, Gender, and Health. Each concentration holds frequent events (e.g., seminars, socials, community outreach), and I have found these two concentrations in particular to be a wonderful way to meet students, staff, and faculty with interests in RPE from other programs and departments. At Harvard Chan School, it is a joy to be surrounded on a daily basis by passionate people working together to improve public health.
