Student Spotlight: Elodie Richard, MS'25

How a Dartmouth Master's Student Found Her Calling in Epidemiology—and Discovered the Power of Community, Research, and the Outdoors Along the Way

Elodie Richard has always known she wanted to work in healthcare. But it was during her senior year of college that her interest in epidemiology truly began to take shape. Intrigued by the idea of understanding health from the onset of disease through the lens of public health, she saw the field as a meaningful way to bridge data, research, and real-world impact.

Dartmouth’s accelerated master’s program offered Elodie the chance to build that foundation quickly and deeply. Equally appealing was the opportunity to experience life on the East Coast. An outdoor enthusiast, she was drawn to the Upper Valley’s natural beauty and lifestyle. “I really like the outdoors,” she says. “Dartmouth just felt like a perfect fit.”

Throughout her time in the program, Elodie has come to see healthcare in a broader context, gaining exposure to disciplines and career paths beyond medicine. “I’ve met so many awesome people here,” she reflects. “It’s really expanded my view of what’s possible.”

That openness to opportunity led her to co-author a recently published article on improving patient experience  in palliative care settings. The paper explored two tools—integRATE and consideRATE—designed to support meaningful conversations between patients and physicians around serious illness. The findings suggest that using these tools enhances experiences on both sides. “Working with Meredith A. MacMartin and Catherine H. Saunders was an incredible experience,” she says. “Their mentorship helped guide me into the world of research. ”

Looking ahead, Elodie is pursuing job opportunities in both epidemiology and health data science, aiming to apply the skills she’s developed at Dartmouth to make a tangible difference in public health.

When she’s not in class or conducting research, Elodie makes time to enjoy the Upper Valley—whether it’s skiing at the Dartmouth Skiway in the winter or kayaking on the Connecticut River during the spring and summer.

Her advice to incoming students?

“Get involved and step out of your comfort zone. There’s so much to do here, and so many amazing people to meet. It’s worth diving in.”

Written by: Mia Soucy

POSTED 5/15/2025 AT 01:50 PM IN #epidemiology #studentspotlight #2025