Archna Patel
Tell us about yourself.
I have been a behavioral scientist and public health practitioner for over 15 years. Much of my career has focused on helping adults with epilepsy better manage their health through self-management programs like Project UPLIFT and HOBSCOTCH. I serve as the Network Coordinator for the Managing Epilepsy Well (MEW) Network where we have tested these programs and have been working to translate them into real-world settings to reach the communities they were designed for.
In the middle of my career, I contracted for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) where I created educational materials for the Public Health Associates Program (PHAP), a role that deepened my commitment to clear and accessible communication. Outside of my formal work, I founded Asmi, a sustainable clothing brand inspired by my public health roots and the belief that empowerment and well-being are connected. Whether through research, program implementation, or creative projects, my goal has always been to help people live healthier and happy lives.
Why did you pursue a DrPH?
I've always wanted to pursue a DrPH, but the timing and focus never quite aligned. When Emory launched the DrPH program in Implementation and Evaluation Science, it felt like everything finally fell into place. The concentration builds directly on my current work and offers the space to grow as a leader.
What are you currently excited about in your job?
I'm most excited about putting evidence-based programs into real-world setting and seeing out they make a difference. I enjoy the process of evaluating outcomes and learning out these programs can be adapted for other areas of public health. At the same time, I'm part of a team helping to launch a new Master of Health Administration (MHA) program at Emory. It's been exciting to see all the moving parts come together and to play a role in shaping something that will help prepare the next generation of leaders.
If you could write a book about your life, what would the title be and why?
"This Wasn't the Plan" - This title reflects the unexpected turns my life and career have taken. Nothing about my life has been linear or the way I had planned or expected. I've navigating my own identity, family challenges, and purpose. This title speaks to learning how to make meaning out of change, even when life doesn't unfold the way you imagined.
What is something interesting about you that we should know?
My creative sparks come at the most unexpected times. During the pandemic, stuck at home life everyone else, I decided to learn to sew, specifically, dresses with pockets. I've always had a thing about pockets in women's clothing (we don't have any and we need them), they are simple, but the represent function and freedom. Learning to sew was easy and hard and I ended up doing lots of research, sketches, and writing down ideas. Eventually, Asmi was born. Asmi is a slow fashion brand rooted in sustainability, empowerment, and well-being, and features pockets with a positive affirmation embroidered on it. We use eco-friendly fabrics and support the women making the dresses through fair wages. In many ways, Asmi has become the bridge between my personal creativity and my work in public health.
