BABE #358: NATALIE LOWE - Epidemiologist, New Mexico Dept. of Health
Eight months ago, Natalie accepted a job offer, packed up her life in Florida and moved to New Mexico to start her career as an epidemiologist for the New Mexico Department of Health. Before COVID-19, she worked solely on injury-related data (analyzing and disseminating data on suicide, homicide, motor vehicle crashes, etc.). Despite not being an infectious disease epidemiologist, she was recruited to help with COVID-19 investigations and is now spending nearly half of her workweeks on pandemic-related tasks. This hustlin’ babe is handling the adjustment with patience, grit and genuine care for the part she plays in flattening the curve.
The Basics:
Hometown: Lebanon, Indiana
Current city: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Alma mater: UNF
Degree: B.S., Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services; Master’s in Public Health
Very first job: Publix Cashier
Hustle: Epidemiologist, New Mexico Department of Health
The Interests:
Babe you admire and why?
Michele Obama, for handling so much criticism so maturely.
If you could have coffee with anyone in the world, who would it be?
Now more than ever I’d like to sit down with the Erins from “This Podcast Will Kill You,” have a quarantini, and talk about diseases.
What’s something you want to learn or master?
I want to become fluent in Spanish. (And I was working on it until COVID derailed my Duolingo schedule.)
Favorite way to unplug?
A hike with my best four-legged friend, Pickles.
The Hustle:
Tell us about your hustle.
I work as an Epidemiologist for the New Mexico Department of Health. Before coronavirus, I only worked with injury-related data. So, I’d spend my days analyzing and disseminating data on suicides, homicides, motor vehicle crashes, etc. from various sources, including public health surveys, hospital records, and death certificates.
Have you always been passionate about public health and the study of diseases?
Epidemiology is a cool intersection of math and social justice, two things I care about. Public health is also a lot more than viruses. I believe that gun violence is a public health issue, poverty is a public health issue, and access to affordable healthcare is a public health issue.
How has your job changed since the pandemic began?
Even though I’m not an infectious disease epidemiologist, most epidemiologists in the state were recruited to help with COVID-19 investigations. Now, I spend nearly half the week contacting COVID-19 patients with their test results and asking them a list of questions about certain data points we collect and report. We also walk through everything they did for the period they have been infectious so we can reach out to everyone they’ve contacted and give information about how they can mitigate the spread. Working from home is quite an adjustment. I’m used to having a lot of meetings and working with a great team. My coworkers and I are communicating over Skype and checking in on each other.
How have your past professional and academic experiences prepared you for the work you do today?
I was trained in graduate school on disaster preparedness, including outbreaks, but I just never imagined I would ever work on something like this. It's hard to be prepared for something so unprecedented.
Do you imagine your job will be different after COVID-19? How so?
I think the field of epidemiology will expand. I hope there is never another pandemic like this, but if there is, it will be great to look back on this experience and know how to handle the next one as effectively as possible.
How can readers support those in your industry right now?
Right now: stay home. In the future, think about public health when you vote and don’t give a platform to those who spread fake health information.
How are you balancing your demanding role right now with your own health and wellness?
Hah! I’m not. I’m constantly checking this map’s numbers and my emails and looking at COVID-19 prediction models. Partly because I'm a nerd and legitimately enjoy it, partly because I now have a new relationship with my job. I’m passionate about the work I'm doing and the people I’m helping, but I also have a new gratitude for work as I watch my loved ones lose the jobs and lifestyle they are used to.
How has being a woman affected your professional experience?
I’m happy to report a positive experience as a woman in all roles I have had in public health. I am so proud of the way I have observed all people in this field treating each other. It helps to have a supportive team that works together towards a common goal.
What’s one thing you wish the general public knew with regards to COVID-19?
Please listen to the experts. The CDC website is the best resource. Please don’t spread fake and potentially harmful information.
Career and/or life advice for other babes?
I encourage other women to find something they love that also makes a difference. Put yourself out there through volunteering with things you’re interested in.
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