Researcher Spotlight: Jason Schneider

What is your professional background?
I attended medical school at New York University and graduated in 2000 — yes, before tuition was free. Emory and the primary care track was a great fit for internal medicine training afterwards. When I finished training in 2003, I remained on faculty because of the mentors and role models I saw in the department. As one of my colleagues says, ‘Grady is where the fun is!’

In what division do you work, and who is your mentor?
General Medicine and Geriatrics – I have many mentors, but Dr. Vin Tangpricha is an important mentor for my research.

Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?
My current focus is exploring HIV incidence among transgender women in the region. African-American trans women have the highest rates of infection compared to any other group in the U.S., so it is important to better understand factors that contribute to and mitigate risk in the population. Our current NIH-funded cohort study uses survey-based methodology to better understand social determinants of health and various aspects of health beyond HIV risk factors.

What do you like most about Emory?
I think Emory’s mission statement sums it up well: ‘To create, preserve, teach, and apply knowledge in the service of humanity.’

What is your favorite movie or TV show?
It changes depending on what I’m binging. I’m currently enjoying ‘The Politician’ on Netflix.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Exercise so I can eat more of the delicious food that Atlanta has to offer.

What is a fun fact about you?
I’ve played clarinet since I was in the fourth grade.