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Emily Owens Pickle ’22MPH has recently been named assistant professor of epidemiology at Old Dominion University’s Joint School of Public Health, where she joined the faculty in July. An infectious disease epidemiologist, Owens Pickle studies tick-borne and zoonotic diseases, with much of her current research focused on alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-triggered allergy to red meat and other products containing mammalian ingredients.

Owens Pickle earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Florida, where she developed a knack for asking questions, identifying patterns, and connecting individual stories to a larger picture. She brought those skills to Rollins, earning her master’s of public health in 2022 and building the foundation for a career in infectious disease epidemiology. She went on to work in pediatric clinical research and on the front lines with the Florida Department of Health in Orange County during the COVID-19 pandemic before completing her PhD in infectious disease epidemiology at the University of South Carolina in May 2025.

Reflecting on the role Rollins played in preparing her for the next step in her career, Owens Pickle credits the close mentorship and individualized support of her professors.

“The faculty at Rollins take time to understand their students’ backgrounds, passions, and future career goals,” she says. “Each faculty member provided an inclusive and rich learning experience and helped tailor my experience to move my career forward so that I can have a meaningful and lasting impact serving vulnerable populations.”

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