Ellen Mitchell, MPH

Associate Scientist
Data Analysis

Why I Conduct Research at ACS

Almost everyone knows someone affected by cancer, and still some populations experience more burden from the disease than others. Applying my epidemiologic skills and passion for public health to help discover why and who cancer attacks is important and exciting. With mission delivery pillars in Advocacy and Patient Support in addition to Discovery, I know that the American Cancer Society directly transforms the research we conduct into necessary action at the community and population-levels.”

At ACS since 2022

As an Associate Scientist on the Data Analysis team, Ellen Mitchell, MPH, provides statistical support for various cancer investigations using survey data from the Cancer Prevention Studies. She works with a group of Population Science analysts and doctoral level researchers to uncover and understand environmental and social risk factors for cancer incidence and mortality.

Mitchell conducts her analyses using epidemiologic methods and statistical coding techniques. Her role involves cleaning datasets and writing statistical programs to answer cancer-related research questions for American Cancer Society Population Science investigators and external collaborators.

Research focus and accomplishments

My research career thus far has been focused on the relationships between obesity, biomarkers of inflammation, and adverse cancer outcomes. I have a particular interest in studying the roles that dietary patterns and physical activity have in cancer development and progression. Moreover, I am passionate about understanding and addressing the social determinants of cancer-driving exposures. My work as a Health Education Volunteer in Belize provided firsthand experience with social barriers to behavior change and instilled in me a commitment to work towards achieving health equity.

I have previously been a part of breast cancer and prostate cancer research projects, and I am excited to continue to investigate the interconnections between various lifestyle exposures and the wide array of cancer types and outcomes.

 

Contact 

 

Work before ACS

  • Georgia Emerging Infections Program, Surveillance Epidemiologist
  • Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Graduate Research & Teaching Assistant
  • Peace Corps Belize, Health Education Volunteer
  • Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Community Outreach Assistant

Education

  • MPH: Global Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 2022
  • BS: Public Health & Health Science, University of Miami, 2019

Personal life 

I live in Atlanta with my pandemic pup, Maverick. In my free time, I enjoy doing yoga, hiking, going to dog parks, traveling, trying new restaurants, and listening to true crime podcasts.