Emily Leung
Emily Leung joined CHI in 2023 as a Research Analyst. Her work includes qualitative and quantitative analysis and support, convening and engaging stakeholders, and conducting community health needs assessments.
Emily served as a Development and Special Projects Volunteer at Off Their Plate, a national nonprofit providing meals to people experiencing food insecurity. There she designed and implemented impact surveys and applied for grant funding to address food insecurity. She also interned at the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, contributing to early childhood obesity prevention efforts. She facilitated stakeholder focus groups, organized feedback reports, and conducted literature reviews to inform future interventions.
As a Graduate Research Assistant for The Two Georgias Initiative at the Emory Prevention Research Center, Emily evaluated rural health equity indicator measures, conducted quality control for qualitative interviews, and analyzed quantitative and qualitative data.
While working with the Fulbright-Malaysia English Teaching Assistant Program, Emily engaged with Malaysian secondary school students to improve English skills and promote cultural exchange. She is a Certified Health Education Specialist, has volunteered at various health care organizations, and has served as a Junior Achievement Teacher, covering topics such as self-knowledge, career planning, and personal finance.
Emily holds a master of public health degree from the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University, as well as a bachelor's degree in psychology and business management from Case Western Reserve University. At Emory, she was a co-representative in the Rollins Student Government Association, where she served as a liaison between students and faculty in the Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences.
Outside of work, Emily enjoys exploring Colorado eateries, dabbling in fiber arts, and spending time outdoors with her fur baby and family.
Skills
- Research and analysis
- Community health needs assessments
- Program evaluation
- Health education and promotion
Focus Areas
- Food security and access
- Health equity
- Social determinants of health
- Social epidemiology
I do this work because...
“The trees act not as individuals, but somehow as a collective. Exactly how they do this, we don’t yet know. But what we see is the power of unity. What happens to one happens to all. We can starve together or feast together.” —Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass
Kimmerer's words tell us that public health work should focus on the betterment of society as a whole. Systems and societal norms create and worsen health disparities among vulnerable groups, which have negative systemic effects. When we do not approach health from an equitable standpoint, we all fail. I do this work because I strive to use research and policy to foster an environment of empowerment and accountability for a healthier and brighter world. We learn a lot when we look to nature as our guide.