Maya Sternberg, an instructor in the Department of Population Health Sciences, says that it’s incredibly inspiring to watch students grow, not only in their academic knowledge but also in their sense of possibility.
What inspired you to pursue a career in public health?
When I was much younger, I was enamored by Chaos Theory—the idea that patterns could emerge from randomness, or that predictable systems could lead to unpredictability. My interest in these concepts, combined with early exposure to statistics through my father, led me to consider a career in statistics.
The draw toward public health and statistics was personal because of my mother. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 21, she spent her entire adult life in a wheelchair, contending with progressive disability. This sparked my interest in studying the link between disease and exposure. But I knew my limits—biology and becoming a doctor was of no interest to me. I can’t watch anything with blood, sickness or death (especially to animals) on TV without feeling faint! So, I chose the safe distance of numbers to understand health and disease.
One moment stands out to me when I realized public service was a calling: I had just graduated from Emory and started working at the CDC. I was on a plane when former President Jimmy Carter walked down the aisle of economy class, greeting passengers. He noticed my Emory sweatshirt and asked about my connection. I told him I had received my Ph.D. in biostatistics from Emory and had just joined the CDC. He reached out and shook my hand saying, “Thank you for your service.” To this day, that moment gives me goosebumps—the honor of serving the public is something I’m incredibly privileged to do, and I’m grateful to do it through statistics.
How do you describe your work to people outside your discipline.
When someone asks, “So, what do you do?” and I answer, “I’m a statistician,” I can see the regret flash across their face, as if I just offered to recite the entire Farmer’s Almanac. So I usually keep it simple: I tell them I work at the CDC, focusing on infectious disease research, nutrition and public health.
What do you like best about teaching?
What I like best about teaching is the students themselves. It’s incredibly inspiring to watch them grow, not only in their academic knowledge but also in their sense of possibility. Seeing their progress and knowing I’ve played a small part is what makes teaching so fulfilling. I truly believe that the greatest impact I will ever have is through teaching. The potential for exponential change when you influence so many students is far greater than any personal contribution I could make. In the end, it’s all about them—their growth, their futures and the difference they will make in the world.
What do you want students to gain from your instruction and mentorships?
I want students to develop a genuine joy experiencing their own curiosity. To develop critical thinking skills that allow them to appreciate both the power and limitations of data. I hope they understand the importance of integrity in science, especially in public health, and recognize that meaningful change and personal growth are incremental—every ounce of effort they invest matters, and shortcuts only shortchange their potential. Above all, I want them to see themselves as part of something bigger: a mission to build a healthier, more equitable world, with a bright future ahead.