Transforming challenges into epidemiological success
Kalee Rumfelt, MPH ’21, PhD ’25
Epidemiology
Even from a young age, Kalee Rumfelt, MPH ’21, PhD ’25, has always been fascinated by human genetics.
Her path to obtaining a doctoral degree in Epidemiology from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, however, didn’t come without hurdles.
Growing up in a low-income household near Detroit, Rumfelt faced significant financial challenges. Yet, she transformed those hardships into stepping stones toward academic success.
“It was incredibly tough for me to get to where I am today,” Rumfelt said. “I’m not ashamed to say that whatsoever that it has taken a lot of hard work on my end.”
She often found herself balancing multiple jobs and seeking additional grants, all while excelling in her demanding academic programs. This has given her a unique perspective on the barriers faced by many students, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds.
“There are a lot of kids coming out of high school that don’t know about the resources available,” Rumfelt said. “I hope to one day advocate for these kids and get more of us into places like I am today because I think I am an example of why those kids should have an opportunity.”
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I fell in love with public health, and that’s what led me to pursuing an MPH at Michigan Public Health, which increased my interest even more.”
Despite scarce resources, her scientific curiosity led her to pursue higher education. Rumfelt earned two bachelor’s degrees from Michigan State University—one in Genomics and Molecular Genetics and the other in Microbiology.
During her time at Michigan State, Rumfelt secured a position at the USDA, researching Marek’s Disease Virus in chickens—a virus similar to the herpes virus in humans. The experience refined her skills in genetic virology and bolstered her desire to apply scientific research to improve human health.
Unable to find fulfillment in her work with animals, she realized her true calling was human health. This discovery led her to minor in Public Health and Epidemiology.
“I wasn’t necessarily fulfilled on a day-to-day basis by working with chickens,” Rumfelt said. “Don’t get me wrong: Chickens are very important for not only feeding us, but our economy and things like that. But I was missing the application to humans in my work, and that’s how I stumbled into my minor.
“I fell in love with public health, and that’s what led me to pursuing an MPH at Michigan Public Health, which increased my interest even more.”
She earned her MPH in Hospital and Molecular Epidemiology at the University of Michigan— “That’s when I got into respiratory viruses, which is my specialty now,” she said.
Her core years at Michigan Public Health were pivotal.
“The research relationships I formed during those two years convinced me that pursuing a PhD at Michigan was my best option,” she said.
Rumfelt quickly found that the university’s faculty were not only leaders in their fields but also accessible and supportive mentors.
Dr. Adam Lauring, a virologist at the University of Michigan Medical School, became an influential mentor, opening the doors to respiratory virus research. She also collaborated with Emily Martin, professor of Epidemiology and co-director of the Michigan Center for Respiratory Virus Research and Response.
Lauring’s and Martin’s mentorship provided Rumfelt with a rich, interdisciplinary research experience. Their guidance allowed her to integrate her interests in genetic virology with public health, shaping her research focus on vaccine effectiveness for respiratory viruses.
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Dr. Martin has been an exceptional mentor as well. She made it possible for me to study epidemiology while having a research home in Lauring’s lab, even though this arrangement was quite unconventional.”
“Dr. Lauring has been absolutely fantastic—one of the best mentors I’ve ever had,” Rumfelt said. “He helped me bridge gaps and build collaborations within the School of Public Health, allowing me to pursue public health-based research in a non-public health lab.
“Dr. Martin has been an exceptional mentor as well. She made it possible for me to study epidemiology while having a research home in Lauring’s lab, even though this arrangement was quite unconventional.”
Rumfelt’s experiences honed her skills across the full spectrum of scientific research—from pipetting in the wet lab to analyzing data, making figures and presenting her findings. She learned to bring the data to life, translating dry numbers into impactful public health messages.
“The most fulfilling part of my work is bringing a concept from its infancy all the way to telling people about amazing findings and why they’re so important,” she said. “Public health is fascinating due to its diverse applications from policy to infectious diseases. I enjoy collaborating across disciplines to achieve strong public health messaging.”
After graduation, Rumfelt is set to join a lab at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. There, under the pediatric infectious diseases scope, she will continue her research on antibody correlates of protection for various respiratory viruses.
The position allows her to leverage all her skills—from hands-on laboratory work to data analysis and public presentations. Excited for the opportunity, she looks forward to wrapping up her decade-long education journey and stepping into a professional role.
Rumfelt’s future goals include combating vaccine hesitancy through strong, clear public health messaging, focusing on high-risk populations like mothers and infants. In the underfunded field of maternal and infant health, she aims to make significant contributions by advocating for vaccination and protection against respiratory viruses.
“With vaccine hesitancy on the rise, it’s important to ensure our messaging is scientifically sound and understandable to everyone, regardless of education level,” she said.
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The most fulfilling part of my work is bringing a concept from its infancy all the way to telling people about amazing findings and why they’re so important. Public health is fascinating due to its diverse applications from policy to infectious diseases. I enjoy collaborating across disciplines to achieve strong public health messaging.”
Rumfelt advises aspiring scientists to follow their passions and pursue opportunities without fearing rejection.
“Try everything and talk to as many people as you can,” she said. “You’ll get to where you really feel at home by doing that, at least in my experience.”