Zoe’s commitment to global disease prevention is shaped by both intellectual passion and personal connection.

Zoe Gurney is pursuing a Master of Public Health degree in global health epidemiology at the University of Michigan. This summer, Zoe’s fellowship supported her internship at the Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention. There, she supported the immunizations division in analyzing the U.S. CDC National Immunization Survey–Teen data and writing a comparative review paper on the similarities and differences of HPV vaccination schedules, programs, and policies between China and the United States. Her research offers important insights for HPV vaccine promotion in China and may also inform efforts to improve vaccine uptake and coverage in the United States.

Zoe’s commitment to global disease prevention is shaped by both intellectual passion and personal connection. As a Chinese-American adoptee, the opportunity to return to China and strengthen her Mandarin language skills represents a meaningful step in reconnecting with her heritage while also deepening her cross-cultural communication skills.

Zoe’s prior academic and work experience laid a strong foundation for her work. With a bachelor’s degree in economics and minors in Chinese studies and applied mathematics/statistics, Zoe brings strong quantitative and cross-cultural insight. She also previously led a comparative scoping review of dementia care in five high-income countries and participated in a community and global health study abroad program in Costa Rica. Currently, Zoe works as a research assistant to Dr. Elham Mahmoudi, contributing to research on care efficiency for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and individuals with disabilities. Her supervisor describes her as “exceptionally hardworking” and “intellectually curious” — qualities she brings to every aspect of her academic life as she works toward her career in global public health.

CEW+ is proud to support Zoe’s growth as a public health researcher and names her a Menakka and Essel Bailey Graduate Fellow.