School of Public Health Faculty Member Natasha Malmin Receives National Academies Early Career Fellowship

ATLANTA — Natasha Malmin, an assistant professor in the Georgia State University School of Public Health, was one of 14 scientists nationwide awarded an Early Career Research Fellowship from the Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.

The fellowship supports emerging scientific leaders as they take risks on research ideas not yet tested, pursue unique collaborations and build a network of colleagues who share their interest in improving offshore energy system safety and the well-being of coastal communities and ecosystems. Fellows receive a $76,000 award along with mentoring support to provide them with independence, flexibility and a built-in support network.

Malmin’s research examines federal disaster recovery and its effects on social and health equity. Her work also explores participatory GIS mapping, post-disaster school recovery, long-term community resilience, maternal health in disaster contexts and the intersection of governance, health systems and disaster management. As a fellow in the Human Health and Community Resilience track, she will focus on understanding the role that resilience-based interventions can play in addressing the root causes of climate, disaster and/or health vulnerability that are associated with health disparities in communities throughout the Gulf region.

“Dr. Malmin’s selection for this highly competitive national honor speaks to her leadership in addressing critical challenges facing communities in the Gulf region and beyond,” said Dean Rodney Lyn. “Her innovative work exemplifies the School of Public Health’s dedication to translating research into improved health and well-being.”

Prior to joining the GSU School of Public Health, Malmin served as a health scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where she conducted research on climate change, disaster preparedness and public health. She holds an M.P.H. in Global Environmental Health from Emory University and earned her Ph.D. in Public Policy as part of a joint program between the Georgia Institute of Technology and Georgia State University.

“This fellowship is a testament to Dr. Malmin’s exceptional ability to identify and tackle some of the most pressing public health challenges facing vulnerable communities,” said Greta Massetti, professor and chair of the Department of Population Health Sciences. “Her research on disaster recovery, community resilience and health equity not only advances scientific knowledge but has the potential to directly improve lives.”