Emily Cowlishaw

Meet Emily!

“The Biohaz program is one-of-a-kind and combined my passion for microbiology and laboratory science with biodefense.“

– Emily, Class of 2022

About Emily

Emily (she/her) attended the University of Nevada, Reno where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology. She was honored to receive the Westfall Scholar Award upon her graduation in December 2020. She was a member and chair of Phi Delta Epsilon, the premedical fraternity, as well as a founding member and chair of Student Organ Donation Advocates (SODA). At Georgetown, she is now a member of NextGen: Global Health Security.

What made you choose Georgetown University for your MS degree?

The Biohaz program at Georgetown offered all of the courses I was interested in with professors who were subject matter experts. The program is one-of-a-kind and combined my passion for microbiology and laboratory science with biodefense. The program really focuses on biological threats of all natures, from naturally occurring to intentional use, it allows students to move forward in any direction.

What sparked your interest in the biomedical field?

I’ve always loved microbiology and wanted a way to use what I love to help people. I am fascinated by the technical science of microbiology and the pathogenesis of pathogens in the human body. The methods that pathogens use to evade our immune systems and overcome host defenses is captivating and exactly what we need to better understand how to fight them.

What do you hope to do with your degree?

I hope to work on the laboratory side of biodefense, focusing on pathogens that have both natural and intentional potential.

What advice would you give to prospective students?

Just apply! If Georgetown had a program your interested in, the professors and classes you will get to take will exceed your expectations. This program really allows for diverse outcomes for a plethora of different career paths.