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Sandra Kiplagat
Epidemiologist - Maternal and Child Health - Researcher
Professional Background
Sandra Kiplagat, PhD, MS is an accomplished public health professional currently serving as a PHI/CDC Global Health Epidemiology Fellow with the Immunization Systems Branch within the Global Immunization Safety Team of the Global Immunization Division in Atlanta, Georgia. With over seven years of extensive experience in public health, Sandra has honed her skills in quantitative and qualitative data analysis, making significant contributions to government, philanthropic organizations, and academic institutions.
Early in her career, Sandra demonstrated her passion for public health as a GIS intern at the Worcester Health Department. In this role, she worked diligently to create physical activity maps and elementary catchment maps that aligned with the Massachusetts Community Health Information Plan. This foundational experience ignited her commitment to leveraging data to improve community health outcomes.
Following her internship, Sandra advanced to the position of data analyst at UMass Memorial. There, she played a pivotal role in developing a new and feasible instrument that measured trauma among children, utilizing SPSS and SAS software to analyze the data effectively. Her ability to translate complex data into actionable insights became a hallmark of her professional journey.
In her next role as a research analyst at the John Snow Research and Training Institute, Sandra expanded her expertise by focusing on data analysis and report dissemination regarding substance misuse among youth and adolescents—an area of increasing concern in public health. Her skills paved the way for her transition into academia, where her knowledge and research acumen flourished.
Education and Achievements
Sandra Kiplagat's educational journey is marked by outstanding achievements and a commitment to academic excellence. She obtained her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology from Florida International University. This rigorous program equipped her with a strong foundation in epidemiological principles and research methodologies.
Before earning her PhD, Sandra completed her Master of Science in Environmental Science and Policy at Clark University, where she developed a keen understanding of the environmental determinants of health. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Clark University, graduating Cum Laude. This exceptional academic background lays the groundwork for her extensive knowledge and expertise in public health.
Throughout her academic career, Sandra has been recognized for her efforts and contributions. Notably, she was awarded the McKnight Dissertation Year Fellowship by the Florida Education Fund, which enabled her to dedicate time to her dissertation work while providing support for her educational endeavors.
Sandra is fluent in Swahili, a skill that complements her global perspective on health disparities and enhances her communication with diverse populations. Her avid interest in learning and commitment to reducing health disparities among marginalized and underserved communities further underline her dedication to public health.
Achievements
Throughout her professional career, Sandra Kiplagat has achieved numerous milestones that highlight her dedication and expertise in the field of public health. As a PHI/CDC Global Health Epidemiology Fellow, she actively contributes to enhancing global immunization efforts, ensuring that immunization safety is prioritized and effectively communicated.
Her experience working with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as a Graduate Intern in the Maternal Newborn Child Health Discovery and Tools initiative exemplifies her ability to collaborate with leading organizations to develop innovative solutions for health challenges. Additionally, her role as a research associate has allowed her to contribute valuable insights into pressing public health issues such as substance misuse, solidifying her reputation as a knowledgeable and impactful public health professional.
Sandra's ability to engage with various stakeholders, her proficiency in data analysis, and her commitment to addressing health disparities position her as a leader in the public health sector. Her journey reflects not only her professional achievements but also her unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in global health.
