Andrew Nicholson, MSPH '17

Andrew is a graduate of the Program for Human Nutrition in the Department of International Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Current job title

Clinical Research Data Associate at the Department of Veterans Affairs New York Harbor Healthcare System.

Job description

I currently manage and analyze data for two ongoing clinical research trials conducted at the Manhattan VA hospital. Both behavioral intervention trials aim to improve foot self-care, self- monitoring, and modifiable risks for amputation to prevent diabetic foot ulcers in veterans living with diabetes. 

Research interests and future plans

In line with my current work, my research interests are in chronic disease management (with particular focus on diabetes) and health systems strengthening. I plan to continue with clinical research in the short-term and apply to medical school in the near future. 

Advice to students

Develop and sharpen your skills while you are in school; maximize this time you have in such a unique place. Build your connections and learn from the diverse Hopkins community. Pursue your interests, but don’t silo yourself in one pocket of science. Don’t forget to have fun along the way. Collaboration across disciplines will be key to solving many of the public health challenges facing the world; learn how to collaborate effectively.

While using my Hopkins training at work daily, I also had my first peer-reviewed, first-author paper published. What started as a 4th-term Biostatistics project paper evolved into an article in the journal Respiratory Medicine. Not only did I have the pleasure of working with Dr. William Checkley, an associate professor of International Health and Pulmonary and Critical Care at Johns Hopkins, and his team on this study, but I also fulfilled my practicum requirements under his mentorship. 

MSPH Practicum

Title: Nutrition, the Microbiome, and Asthma Risk among Adolescents in Peru
Location: Lima, Peru