Epidemiologist I and Research Associate Alex Kornblum shares what he’s working on at ICH right now, the experience that prepared him for this role, and how he likes to spend his downtime. Read on to learn more!

How would you describe your role at ICH?

At ICH, I work as both an Epidemiologist I and a Research Associate, so what I do depends on the needs of each project! In my Epidemiologist role, I help build data tracking tools, clean and analyze quantitative data, and ensure data quality. As a Research Associate, I collect and analyze qualitative data through surveys and interviews, and synthesize information for presentations and reports. I also support project knowledge management and communication with our clients to help projects run smoothly. Alongside project work, I am a member of the ICH Workplace Enhancement Committee and ICH’s Working Group on AI.

What is your educational background?

I attended Rice University and graduated in 2025 with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Policy Analysis and a Data Science minor. Hoot ‘em! 

I completed two capstone research projects at Rice that cemented my interest in public health work. My Social Policy Analysis capstone was a mixed methods study of mobile maternal and prenatal healthcare in Houston. My Data Science capstone modeled inequalities in Houston’s sewer infrastructure. During these capstones I collaborated with community-based organizations and focused on social determinants of health–much like my project work now at ICH!

What was your career path before coming to ICH?

Before coming to ICH, I briefly worked as a Data Analyst at the United Way of Central Massachusetts, assisting with projects near and dear to the area where I grew up. 

Prior to graduating from Rice, I interned at Redstone Strategy Group, a social impact consulting firm. I conducted landscape research to support a large grant focused on the intersection between healthcare and chronic homelessness. 

I was also an intern at National Geographic, where I helped analyze and report data on the digital reach of NatGeo stories and education resources.

What made you decide to come to ICH?

ICH’s methods align with my interests, and its mission aligns with the way I think about social change. It stood out to me how strongly ICH emphasizes participatory work through centering and learning from communities directly affected by health issues. 

Coming from an interdisciplinary background, I was also excited to work on many different projects at the same time. I get to focus on a variety of topics across community health, and work alongside coworkers with a variety of academic and professional backgrounds. 

And during the application process, I could tell how supportive the culture is across ICH. Employee wellbeing, learning, and growth are genuine priorities to everyone here. 

What are some projects that you are working on right now?

One project I’m working on right now is an evaluation of Boston’s Overdose Data to Action  (OD2A) program, which is implemented by the Boston Public Health Commission. Boston OD2A uses several strategies to reduce overdoses, and it’s been inspiring to hear from navigators who build relationships with people struggling with substance use, and help connect them to treatment and social services. 

Another project I’m working on is an evaluation of the Advancing Community Driven Mental Health (ACDMH) program, which is run by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation. ACDMH helps community-based organizations adopt Problem Management Plus (PM+), a mental health intervention that includes problem solving and stress management for adults in distress or depression. I’ve learned a lot about mental health stigma through this project—PM+ can be especially helpful for people who do not feel comfortable seeking formal therapy.

What are your favorite projects topics and why?

I’m still pretty new to ICH, so I’m enjoying learning new topics as I go! So far, I’ve worked on several projects related to mental health and substance use disorders. It’s especially rewarding to support mental health and overdose prevention work that saves lives and helps people feel like they aren’t alone. I’m also interested in projects focusing on social determinants of health, because it builds on my past work experience and research in housing and food insecurity.

What are you most excited about for the future of ICH?

I’m excited to see how we can spread the story and impact of our clients’ work to new audiences! I’m also personally looking forward to working with the Leah Zallman Center (LZC) and seeing how the LZC continues to grow. 

What are your hobbies or things you like to do for fun?

I’m a huge fan of all kinds of puzzles and board games! Recently, I’ve been playing a lot of sudoku and trivia games, doing jigsaw puzzles, and playing board games like Azul and Dune: Imperium with friends and family. I love reading and tend to alternate between history and sci-fi/fantasy books. I also enjoy learning new sports and ways to exercise. I started playing ultimate frisbee at Rice and ended up loving it and playing for all four years! This year, I’m trying to play more soccer and get back into yoga. 

Do you have any plans for the holidays/summer/etc? Anything that you are looking forward to?

It’s been an amazing summer, but I’m really looking forward to fall! Watching the leaves turn, going apple picking, celebrating Halloween, eating cider donuts… There’s so much to look forward to. It’s my favorite season!