Alumni Feature: Advancing Public Health Research Through Epidemiology and Innovation

For John Grady Heller, epidemiology offers more than a way to study disease — it provides an opportunity to investigate complex systems, improve population health and make a lasting impact through research.

After graduating from the Epidemiology program at the OU Hudson College of Public Health in 2024, Heller continued his research journey as a post-doctoral research fellow at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where he focuses on advancing research related to neurodegenerative disease.

Heller says his interest in epidemiology began early, drawn to both the investigative nature of the field and its ability to improve health outcomes on a large scale.

While he once considered a career in medicine, Heller ultimately chose epidemiology because of its potential to create broad, population-level impact through research and application.

“The increased ability to have an aggregate impact on lives through research and application was something I found especially appealing,” he said.

During his time at HCOPH, Heller says the people within the program played a defining role in preparing him for his career.

“The HCOPH program provided the basis for my education,” he said. “The individual professors, mentors, acquaintances and classmates each had a hand in preparing me for my current role.”

“The group at HCOPH is unique, and I doubt I would be exactly where I am if it weren’t for the influence of key mentors and supporters who were highly invested in my development as an epidemiological professional.”

Among his most memorable experiences were opportunities to work alongside research teams conducting surveys and collecting data related to tobacco cessation and public health policy. Those early collaborative experiences helped strengthen both his research skills and understanding of population health.

As a PhD candidate, Heller also partnered with the CDC Foundation to support COVID-19 case reporting efforts at the Oklahoma State Department of Health during the pandemic.

The experience provided a firsthand look at how epidemiological research and public health infrastructure directly influence communities in real time, while also strengthening his skills in data management, collaboration and applied public health practice.

Today, Heller’s research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s Disease, with the goal of identifying individuals earlier in the disease process and advancing more personalized treatment approaches.

His work includes proteomic drug target discovery, evidence synthesis from drug trials and the use of large datasets and electronic health records to better understand disease progression and clinical outcomes.

“My research focuses on finding people at a preclinical stage in a timelier manner and exploring what can be done to modify the path of disease progression.”

Heller hopes his work will ultimately contribute to more individualized therapies and improved quality of life for individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease.

He emphasizes the importance of persistence, self-advocacy and surrounding yourself with people who are invested in your success.

“The academic programs offered at HCOPH are challenging and complex in their own ways, and also uniquely rewarding.”

Through his work in epidemiological research and disease prevention, he reflects the mission of HCOPH graduates to advance public health through discovery, collaboration and innovative research that has the potential to improve lives for generations to come.