by Julia Krauss 17PH 17B
With summer travels well underway, it is important to recognize that motor vehicle accidents are a major public health issue, contributing to the 4th leading cause of death in the U.S. (Health, United States, 2016). Therefore, we thought it would be prudent to catch up with Rollins alumna Nicole Booker 15PH to talk about her work as a Highway Safety Specialist for the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Can you tell us about the path that brought you to working for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration?
While at Emory, I worked as a Graduate research assistant for an intimate partner violence (IPV) research study. During that time, I learned a lot about violence, poverty, and other socio-contextual determinants of health surrounding intentional injury, but had limited knowledge in unintentional injury (drowning, traffic safety, etc.).
I accepted a fellowship with The Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) and The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in Washington D.C. I had never heard of NHTSA before but quickly realized they were the agency behind the infamous “Click it or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaigns. NHTSA has a prestigious reputation for their life-saving work in traffic safety and the ASPPH/ NHTSA Public Health Fellowship was a great opportunity to gain exposure in unintentional injury prevention at the federal level.
After 2.5 years as an ASPPH/NHTSA Fellow, I accepted a permanent position within the agency’s Impaired Driving Division.
What is a typical work day like for you?
Everyday truly varies however, my primary responsibilities include: monitoring the budget, timeline, and project content of a NHTSA funded Cooperative Agreement; supporting partnerships with organizations like the 24/7 Sobriety Program, National Park Service, and Vision Zero; publishing content and streamlining navigation for the NHTSA Impaired Driving website.
What types of skills do you think are important to being successful in your career? How did Rollins help to prepare you?
In my experience, strong work ethic and flexibility are critical skills when working in the Federal space. There are many potential barriers (financial, political etc.) that can impact your work and issues can be completely out of your control. Rollins taught me the importance of collaboration and compromise when working through project challenges; I don’t think I would be here without that mindset.
On days you feel the most accomplished at work - what did you do that day?
I would have most likely come across new and innovative traffic safety research, discussed new potential projects with a grantee to fill in research gaps, or given a lecture on what NHTSA is doing to combat impaired driving in the U.S.
What advice do you have for those who are interested in working for a U.S. Government Department or in the field of transportation safety?
More broadly, what advice do you have for current students looking to pursue non-traditional public health roles?
Don’t be intimidated, you can contribute! Find the public health components of the role you are pursuing, (they are bound to be there), and use these areas to leverage your skillset and highlight your capabilities.
How has your work changed your perception of public health work?
My work in traffic safety has further underscored the importance of the public health approach in solving today’s population level problems; specifically, through the role of prevention. One of my favorite takeaways is a new perception of the word “accident.” I no longer use that term to describe car crashes because I now view motor vehicle crashes as 100% preventable, and every motor vehicle fatality as unacceptable.
Want to connect with Nicole or more alumni like her? Check out our RSPH Alumni Group on LinkedIn and Emory Connects.
National Center for Health Statistics. Health, United States, 2016: With Chartbook on Long-term Trends
in Health. Hyattsville, MD. 2017.