Erin Yi

Support directors and Grady Trauma Project (GTP) investigators in researching risk and resilience mechanisms associated with PTSD, and other trauma-related adverse health outcomes. Actively participate in the MAMA Bear study, which focuses primarily on understanding maternal experiences of trauma, and their impacts on child development and mental health. Responsibilities include collecting and managing participant data, and assisting with clinical interviews. The primary goal of the MAMA Bear project is to reduce health inequities and improve outcomes within minoritized communities.

Serve as an undergraduate research assistant in the Kopp Lab, contributing to research aimed at uncovering novel mechanisms underlying cystic fibrosis (CF), to enhance clinical outcomes for pediatric patients. Responsibilities include conducting laboratory experiments, collecting and analyzing data, maintaining detailed experimental records, and collaborating with senior researchers on various projects. Utilize a range of biochemical and molecular biology techniques to study disease pathways, aiding in the translation of basic science findings into clinically relevant insights. This role provides hands-on experience with scientific methodologies, critical thinking skills, and an understanding of the broader implications of translational research in pediatric healthcare.

Collaborate with a fellow director to provide meaningful alternatives for spring and fall breaks for students at Emory. Connect with community partners to organize diverse volunteer experiences for participating students and raise awareness regarding social justice and healthcare issues.

Collaborate with other dedicated students to establish and operate a Public Health chapter at Emory, focused on identifying community health threats and implementing effective public health solutions within underrepresented communities. The organization's primary initiatives include annual volunteer trips to developing countries, organizing fundraisers to provide resources to communities in need, and conducting awareness campaigns within the school community to promote an understanding of global health issues.

Engage in Village Mentors Emory, a program that connects participating students to It Takes a Village. The objective is to provide tutoring assistance in various subjects such as math, English, social studies, and science for children in underrepresented communities. Tutoring sessions occur once every week for 1 hour in a one-on-one manner.

Participate in the Computational Mechanisms of Psychopathology Lab, where the aim is to make consequential advances in treating and understanding psychopathology to reduce suffering from mental illness. These advances are made by using generative computational models of behavioral and neural function to understand mechanistic, treatment-relevant processes.

Design health pamphlets for the people in Guatemala regarding hygiene, healthy diets, and mental health. Collaborate with a professional illustrator to create a children's book in multiple languages that aims to educate youth on taking care of their psychological and physical health.

Assist staff in providing intensive case management services to newly arrived refugees with medical / mental health needs. Arrange translation services and connect clients to local hospitals and clinics to relieve physical and psychological stress. Clients consist of families, individuals, and minors without protection.

Participate in and aid the study of axenic Drosophila melanogaster behavior compared to non-axenic, to advance the understanding of the gut microbiome's impact on fruit flies' social and mating behavior. Assist the professor in discovering how the fly gut microbiome is regulated, since it remains unclear due to its impact on various functions, such as metabolism, nutrition, physiology, and immune function.

Worked as a team member of the International Student Association (ISA) to alleviate issues surrounding international students and their settlement. Organized and promoted various cultural events, coordinated partnerships with local organizations, and hosted informational sessions with visa professionals as panels. 

Assisted professors in the biology department to enhance the learning experience of students. Participated in laboratory sessions alongside students and answered various questions to clarify students' concerns and confusion. Held office hours in the writing center for students to visit and receive help on their laboratory writing assignments, such as research proposals and papers.

Worked alongside medical professionals and assisted them with patient charting. Documented the dictated patient history, physical examination, family, social, and past medical histories, as well as documented procedures, lab results, and dictated radiographic impressions.