During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Katelyn Jetelina was asked by her boss at the University of Texas to send daily email updates to staff, faculty, and students. Initially, she thought it would only be for six weeks, but four years later, her free newsletter, Your Local Epidemiologist, has become a valuable source of information for about 230,000 people in 100 countries.
Jetelina’s passion for teaching shines through in her newsletters. She aims to educate the public on the complexities of public health and believes that visibility is crucial for its success. Her dedication to clear and accessible health communication has made her a respected figure in the field.
Now working as a scientific-communications consultant for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Jetelina is expanding her reach beyond her newsletter. She has raised funds to start a nonprofit that will support and amplify the work of other scientists who are dedicated to public education. With this new initiative, she hopes to continue providing valuable information to a global audience while also highlighting the important work of others in the field.
