Epidemiologist I Shriya Powar shares what she’s working on at ICH right now, the experience that prepared her for this role, and how she likes to spend her downtime. Read on to learn more!
How would you describe your role at ICH?
As an Epidemiologist I at ICH, I support a wide range of evaluation and research projects. My role includes designing surveys, cleaning and analyzing quantitative data, and translating findings into user-friendly reports and presentations for our partners. I also assist with qualitative research and developing data collection tools. A big part of my work is ensuring data quality and supporting the dissemination of results through reports, presentations, and community meetings. I enjoy collaborating with both internal teams and community partners to help turn data into meaningful insights that can inform real-world public health solutions.
What is your educational background?
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Dental Surgery from Goa Dental College and Hospital in India, which provided me with a strong foundation in healthcare and patient care. Afterward, I pursued a Master of Public Health (MPH) at Boston University, specializing in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. This advanced training has equipped me with the skills to analyze and interpret health data, which I apply daily in my role at ICH.
What was your career path before coming to ICH?
After completing my dental degree, I worked as a junior resident in the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry in my dental school and later as a general dentist in private clinics. During this time, I gained exposure to clinical research, which sparked my curiosity about research methodology and how data can improve health outcomes. Throughout my clinical career, I developed a growing appreciation for preventive healthcare and began thinking about how to create meaningful change from a public health perspective: improving the health of communities rather than just individuals.
What made you decide to come to ICH?
I first joined ICH as a Data Analyst for my practicum during my MPH program. That experience gave me a great introduction to the kind of work ICH does and allowed me to work with real-world data across multiple projects. I enjoyed contributing to a variety of public health initiatives, and I appreciated the opportunity to apply my skills to projects with meaningful community impact. I also liked that ICH offers a continuous learning environment. There’s always space to strengthen existing skills and develop new ones. Along with the supportive work culture and great team, the variety of project topics and the emphasis on growth made it an easy decision to return to ICH in a full-time role.
What are some projects that you are working on right now?
The projects I am currently working on focus on a range of public health topics, including maternal and child health, mental health, violence prevention among youth, and substance use. I am also contributing to a community health needs assessment that helps organizations and communities better understand local health challenges and inform health improvement efforts.
What are your favorite projects topics and why?
While I enjoy working on a wide variety of topics and appreciate the chance to learn something new with every project, I’ve always been especially drawn to work that focuses on maternal, child, and youth health. In the past, I loved working with children because it gave me the sense that even small actions can have a lasting impact early in life. That same idea carries over to the projects I work on now. Supporting mothers, children, and young people feels like an opportunity to create meaningful, long-term change on a broader scale.
What are you most excited about for the future of ICH?
I’m excited to see how ICH continues growing its impact, both within communities and in academic spaces. It’s meaningful to be part of an organization that works directly with communities while also contributing to research that can influence broader conversations in public health.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do for fun?
I love anything creative! I’m a trained classical dancer, and beyond that, I enjoy creating things, whether it’s decorating a corner of my home or putting together a fun, handmade gift for a birthday or celebration. I also absolutely love dogs! I don’t have any pets here, but I’m always happy to be around them whenever I get the chance
Do you have any plans for the holidays/summer/etc? Anything that you are looking forward to?
The sweet tooth in me enjoys ice-creams year-round, but summer is definitely a good excuse to indulge even more! I’ve been thinking about doing a dessert hop around the city to survive the heat! Any recommendations?