Jennifer Akosa
Jennifer Akosa is a doctoral student in the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology whose journey from medicine to public health has been guided by a simple conviction: Better health begins with asking better questions. She earned her medical degree from Sumy State University in Ukraine before completing a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology at East Tennessee State University. While her clinical training taught her to focus on the individual patient, epidemiology inspired her to look beyond the clinic and examine the factors that shape health before a patient ever arrives.
Jennifer’s research explores how social, behavioral and clinical factors intersect to influence health—and how epidemiologic evidence can strengthen clinical care and public health practice. As a graduate research assistant, she contributes to program evaluation efforts supporting chronic disease prevention and management in Oklahoma through three federally funded grants. Her work with the Oklahoma State Department of Health and the Oklahoma Healthy Brain Initiative Coalition includes data management, survey development and the preparation of reports for key stakeholders.
Jennifer also serves as the 2026-2027 event coordinator for the Epidemiologic Research Student Association. Through this role, she hopes to help students build meaningful connections, learn from one another and become more engaged in research beyond the classroom.
Outside of academics, Jennifer enjoys music, spending time with family and friends, and following soccer—a sport she jokes she might have pursued professionally in another life. Her faith also remains an important part of her life, shaping her values and commitment to serving others.