EMILY DENT
Purvis
Summary
Mission-driven public health and anthropology professional with advanced training in medical anthropology and epidemiology/biostatistics, specializing in maternal health, reproductive justice, and community-engaged research. Demonstrated expertise in nonprofit infrastructure development, program planning, policy drafting, teaching, and small business management. A nontraditional leadership pathway emphasizes data-informed strategies, relationship-centered operations, and effective remote collaboration. Proven track record of translating complex research into accessible, community-focused actions that drive meaningful impact.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Adjunct Instructor
University of Southern Mississippi
01.2025 - Current
- Teach undergraduate coursework in public health and anthropology, including chronic disease and social determinants of health.
- Facilitated discussions that encouraged critical thinking and student participation.
- Collaborated with faculty to enhance course materials and instructional strategies.
- Design inclusive, accessible curricula and assessments that translate complex research into applied learning.
- Facilitate sensitive dialogue on health equity, culture, faith, and social systems.
- Developed and delivered engaging course content aligned with curriculum objectives.
Community-Engaged Research Partner
Hope Clinic
01.2024 - 2026
- Partnered with clinic leadership to recruit participants for master’s research using a community-engaged collaboration model.
- Facilitated ethical, mutually beneficial recruitment and community connection.
- Built and maintained a professional relationship with the clinic’s community outreach coordinator.
- Established partnerships with local organizations to expand service offerings and raise community awareness of health resources.
Equity Research Intern (Hybrid/Remote)
National Birth Coalition (NBC)
01.2024 - 2025
- Served as the organization’s first-ever intern supporting internal infrastructure and community-facing work.
- Created the onboarding manual and drafted the Code of Conduct, Non-Disclosure Agreement, and volunteer documentation.
- Assisted with stakeholder meetings and program planning; independently coordinated logistics for a community wellness gift giveaway.
- Supported leadership operations through document standardization and administrative workflow development.
- Assisted in organizing outreach events to promote maternal health initiatives.
- Supported data collection and analysis for community engagement assessments.
Graduate Teaching Assistant and Human Evolution & Reproduction Lab Manager
University of Southern Mississippi
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Managed daily lab operations, coordinated data collection, and supported faculty research agendas.
- Supervised and trained undergraduate researchers; maintained research documentation and compliance materials.
- Supported classroom instruction and student mentoring across anthropology and public health courses.
- Assisted faculty in course preparation, enhancing learning materials and resources.
- Evaluated student assignments, providing constructive feedback to foster academic growth.
Course Content Developer & Designer (Remote)
Mississippi Center for Clinical & Translational Research
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Developed research training and educational materials for community stakeholders and academic audiences.
- Collaborated remotely with interdisciplinary teams to translate complex public health content into accessible formats.
- Edited and proofread documents for clarity, accuracy, and adherence to institutional guidelines.
- Participated in brainstorming sessions to generate innovative ideas for content strategies that aligned with company goals and objectives.
Transcription & Tagging Research Assistant (Remote)
Civil War Letters of Mississippi Project, University of Southern Mississippi
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Conducted historical transcription and metadata tagging for large digital humanities research projects.
- Worked independently on deadline-driven remote research teams with strict quality control standards.
Assistant Manager
Fika Swedish Bakery
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Supported day-to-day operations including staff supervision, scheduling, customer relations, inventory, and basic budgeting.
- Resolved staff and customer conflicts in fast-paced, community-centered settings.
- Built foundational leadership, communication, and operations skills in small-mission driven businesses.
- Developed operational strategies to enhance efficiency in food preparation processes.
- Mentored team members on best practices for customer service and food safety compliance.
Education
Master of Arts - Medical Anthropology
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS12-2025
Master of Public Health - Epidemiology & Biostatistics
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS12-2024
Bachelor of Science - Culinary Science
Mississippi University For Women
Columbus, MS05-2016
Skills
- Survey design and implementation
- Statistical analysis (R, SPSS)
- Community-engaged research
- Policy drafting and document development
- Remote team collaboration
- Public speaking, teaching, and facilitation
- Stakeholder reporting
- Qualitative and quantitative analysis
Affiliations
- American Anthropological Association (AAA)
- Mississippi Public Health Association (MPHA)
Certification
- Emergency Preparedness Leadership – Northwest Center for Public Health Practice
- Reporting with R Markdown – DataCamp
- ServSafe Food Manager – National Restaurant Association
Timeline
Adjunct Instructor
University of Southern Mississippi
01.2025 - Current
Community-Engaged Research Partner
Hope Clinic
01.2024 - 2026
Equity Research Intern (Hybrid/Remote)
National Birth Coalition (NBC)
01.2024 - 2025
Graduate Teaching Assistant and Human Evolution & Reproduction Lab Manager
University of Southern Mississippi
01.2023 - 01.2024
Course Content Developer & Designer (Remote)
Mississippi Center for Clinical & Translational Research
01.2023 - 01.2024
Transcription & Tagging Research Assistant (Remote)
Civil War Letters of Mississippi Project, University of Southern Mississippi
01.2020 - 01.2022
Assistant Manager
Fika Swedish Bakery
01.2018 - 01.2020
Master of Arts - Medical Anthropology
University of Southern Mississippi
Master of Public Health - Epidemiology & Biostatistics
University of Southern Mississippi
Bachelor of Science - Culinary Science
Mississippi University For Women
FUNDING & AWARDS
Research Grant, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Additional departmental and project-based academic awards