the field: Even now, in what feels like a later stage of the pandemic, our knowledge about the virus’ biology, how it affects different people and how it spreads, is still fairly limited.” - REESE RICHARDSON ’19
The model also allows researchers to test the effect of various interventions, such as increasing testing capacity or decreasing wait times for results. Researchers have also been examining geographic and demographic inequities in access to testing across the state. Richardson knows first hand the frustrations posed by the unpredictable virus. “Even now, in what feels like a later stage of the pandemic, our knowledge about the virus’ biology, how it affects different people and how it spreads, is still fairly limited. In modeling, we have to make assumptions that may later prove inaccurate. In data analysis, we often work with incomplete data and the work can often be somewhat emotionally difficult. It is not pleasant to bear witness to how quickly this virus can tear through communities.” This unexpected assignment may affect Richardson’s future research interests. “I do really enjoy and am excited by this work, so it could ultimately reshape what I focus on in my thesis project.”
Cassandra Shaker ’13 found her role as a planner in public health shift from handling health assessment and health improvement plans to distributing public information with the onset of the pandemic. She’s now serving as the public information officer for Isanti County, located north of the Twin Cities in Minnesota. “I help to distribute preparedness tips, COVID-19 data, and safety messages to the community,” said Shaker, who majored in biology and psychology at North Central. “We’ve worked with the local newspapers and radio stations to get the word out and shared information through social media.” She added that she has applied Federal Emergency Management Agency Incident Command System trainings to “real life.” Shaker helped start a community safety support team to help businesses reopen. “I also began publishing the number of new cases, total cases, age
range of cases, and the percentage recovered in the county each week. It makes the data from the state department of health more manageable for the public.” Shaker became interested in public health after graduation while working as an AmeriCorps VISTA at Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity in Wisconsin. There she witnessed the health consequences of substandard housing and she went on to earn a master’s degree in public health from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in 2017.
Fall 2020 northcentralcollege.edu/magazine
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