Taylor Barton

Background

About Taylor Barton

I am a determined, organized, and loyal worker and student who is able to see how minute details affect the larger picture. I am also an efficient multi-tasker and communicator who continually strives for success. Having held many leadership positions in many organizations, I have a well-balanced repertoire of interpersonal skills and am able to effectively delegate responsibilities. I have a passion for people and for learning about diseases; I hope to use these passions within the realm of public and global health in order to improve the communities surrounding me. I realized my interest for diseases and research towards the end of my undergrad career. As a graduation requirement, I had to complete and present a scientific research presentation that included a scientific trial component; I used this research to complete my honor’s thesis as well. My presentation focused on the role of cancer within HIV patients and included CAR T-cell research as a potential prophylactic treatment within the HIV population. While my research and presentation are narrow in scope due to project requirements and my minimal experience, the task allowed me to understand the importance of research and how to convey your findings to a general population. During school, I was fortunate to have a job working in a local emergency room, where I have had the opportunity to understand the common ailments within our community and how providers and nurses work to educate patients concerning their diagnoses. This position has also allowed me to increase my understanding of medical terms and procedures, as well as laws and ethics related to healthcare. For the past year, I have been working with the Georgia Department of Public Health as a part of the COVID-19 response team. I have been able to perform duties of both a contact tracer and case investigator as needed, each of which have provided me exposure to how public health professionals work to educate communities and prevent the spread of disease. Doing this type of work in the midst of a pandemic has also provided the opportunity to extend my current leadership and communication skills into a virtual environment. I have a BS in Biology from Shorter University and an MS in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Northern Colorado. As I continue applying the knowledge learned in my coursework to hands on experience, I am working towards a career as an epidemiologist in the context of global health.