Meet EPA Researcher Monica Jimenez, Ph.D.
EPA researcher Dr. Monica Jimenez focuses on social epidemiology and spatial analyses, examining how each are related to environmental exposures and human health outcomes.
What brought you to EPA?
I first started as a contractor working in EPA’s Epidemiology Branch from 2016-2021. I learned so much in that position and loved the mission of the work that when a postdoctoral opportunity opened up with my mentors, I jumped at the opportunity. I have a great support system that encourages my curiosity and allows me to explore my research interests. My background is in infectious disease epidemiology and this position gave me the opportunity to learn about environmental quality and its impacts on human health, as well as expanding my knowledge of epidemiology methods by learning methodology used in environmental epidemiology. My research interests include the spread of infectious diseases in conjunction with environmental exposures. For example, looking at tick-borne diseases in areas with decreasing green space/increasing built environment, which forces greater interaction with wildlife.
Tell us about your background.
I have a BS in Biology from Duke, an MPH from Emory University, and a PhD in Epidemiology from University of North Carolina.
What research are you working on at EPA?
I want to incorporate what I learned during my time so far at EPA with my background in infectious diseases, (i.e., water quality and water-borne illnesses). My research focuses on social epidemiology and spatial analyses examining how each are related to environmental exposures and human health outcomes. For example, I look at how social factors like poverty and race/ethnicity effect an individual’s exposure to different air and water qualities and their associations with health outcomes like asthma.
How does your science matter?
It’s important to understand the underlying issues of disparate environmental exposures across groups in a social context, for example, the built environment, (which includes green space, walkability of an area, and rural/urban differences) and its contribution to health disparities. Understanding these underlying issues provides context and recognizes areas where people experience harmful exposures, which will help to inform policies, allocate resources, and support local programs.
When did you first know you wanted to be a scientist?
I knew I wanted to be a scientist in first grade when we read a book about Louis Pasteur.
If you weren’t a scientist, what would you be doing?
Running an animal sanctuary.
What do you think the coolest scientific discovery was and why?
Vaccines because they have saved millions of lives throughout history.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my dogs, Aslan and Braixen. We enjoy spending time with my sister and her family, who live on the coast, and going to the beach. I also enjoy exploring different cuisines with friends.
What is something you wish more people knew about Hispanic heritage?
Hispanic heritage is a more complicated concept than people realize. Hispanic heritage varies based on how an individual identifies. I am Puerto Rican and Colombian and I grew up in Miami, so I have been exposed to many different Hispanic cultures throughout my life.
What would your advice be to a Hispanic student who is interested in a career in science?
Use your background as a strength and don’t limit yourself because other people put constraints on you based on your ethnicity.
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed herein are those of the researcher alone. EPA does not endorse the opinions or positions expressed.