With a career marked by innovation, leadership and a deep commitment to public health, Jennifer Clerie, B.S. '16, MBA, embodies the impact of a University of Maryland School of Public Health (SPH) education. A leader across roles, Clerie is both the new president of the SPH Alumni Network Board and a senior data manager at the Emmes Company.
With a career marked by innovation, leadership and a deep commitment to public health, Jennifer Clerie, B.S. '16, MBA, embodies the impact of a University of Maryland School of Public Health (SPH) education. A leader across roles, Clerie is both the new president of the SPH Alumni Network Board and a senior data manager at the Emmes Company.
At Emmes, Clerie oversees the design and implementation of clinical data collection systems for large-scale clinical trials, helping clients understand how technology can help their research, Clerie sees her success in this role as a direct result of the knowledge built during her SPH years. “SPH truly prepares you for life after university, from the resources, advisors and interview preparation,” she said.
Clerie cites her capstone internship during her graduate studies and a research methods course with Dr. Amelia Arria was key in shaping her professional path. Clerie’s capstone, completed at the UMD School of Medicine, exposed her to the critical role of research assistants in clinical trials, while her coursework provided a solid foundation in managing full-scope research.
These experiences, combined with opportunities to engage in academic research – such as working on a chart review study published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology –prepared her well, she said.
From SPH to a Flourishing Career
After graduation, Clerie joined Health Analytics, a health economics and outcomes research firm that offers insightful outcomes and strategic consultation with research experts, as a research assistant and later project manager. There, she immersed herself in the world of research, data analytics and client management. Success led to larger roles at Emmes, including serving as lead data manager for a multicenter trial of novel oral polio vaccines..
“I’m proud that I had a true global impact and the opportunity to work on the development of the database EDC system (Electronic Data Capture) that randomized each participant and collected all pertinent data throughout the life cycle of the project through final analysis”, she said of her work.
And while Clerie blazes forward in her career, she also strives to give back.
Vision for the SPH Alumni Network and Current Students
As the new president of the SPH Alumni Network Board, Clerie aims to foster a strong, connected alumni community. She is eager to introduce new programming that goes beyond academic events.
“My goal is to cultivate relationships with alumni by capitalizing on our existing annual events such as Terrapin Perspectives, where we have virtual meetups to discuss pressing topics with fellow Terps, and the PHEEL (Public Health Emerging and Engaging Leaders) awards, and introducing new initiatives that allow for greater connection and engagement,” she says.
Clerie also aims to help current SPH students. Her advice to them? “Get involved in a variety of internship types to truly gauge your interests.”
She recommends networking, seeking mentorship and exploring the diverse opportunities within public health to build a career path that aligns with their passions and aspirations.
“The world of public health is so multifaceted, and there are so many companies that fall under the type of work that public health and SPH programs prepare students for,” she said. “Unless you're aware of all these opportunities you might not know what paths are available to you. So expand your network, get involved, look for mentors and ask them how they made their way on their career paths as well to gain inspiration. Use all of those puzzle pieces to build one giant puzzle that is the career path that's truly meant for you.”