Steph Tan
About Steph Tan
Steph Tan is a Public Health Specialist and Research Assistant currently at Yale University, recognized for her contributions to New Zealand's COVID-19 response through the implementation of saliva testing. She has a strong academic background, including a Master of Public Health from Yale and a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition from the University of Sydney.
Current Role at Yale University
Steph Tan serves as a Public Health Specialist and Research Assistant at Yale University since 2020. In this role, Tan has contributed to significant public health initiatives, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The position involves collaboration with various stakeholders and the implementation of innovative testing methods. Tan's work is focused on enhancing public health strategies and improving health outcomes through research and practical applications.
Impact on COVID-19 Response in New Zealand
Steph Tan played a crucial role in New Zealand's COVID-19 response, which was recognized by the Lowy Institute as the best globally. Tan's involvement included the implementation of robust saliva testing, specifically the Yale-developed SalivaDirect(TM) method. This initiative facilitated safer testing alternatives and was instrumental in shaping policies related to COVID-19 response in New Zealand, particularly for border and quarantine workers.
Educational Background and Expertise
Steph Tan has a strong educational foundation in public health and nutrition. Tan studied at Cornell University, achieving a degree in the Division of Nutrition Sciences from 2018 to 2020. Subsequently, Tan pursued a Master of Public Health (MPH) at the Yale School of Public Health, focusing on Health Policy and Management from 2021 to 2023. This academic background supports Tan's expertise in public health and nutrition, particularly in the context of disease prevention and health promotion.
Previous Experience in Public Health and Nutrition
Prior to current roles, Steph Tan gained diverse experience in public health and nutrition. Tan worked as a Health and Science Correspondent at Radio New Zealand from 2020 to 2021, covering health-related topics. Additionally, Tan served as a BodyWorks Nutrition Educator at AltaMed Health Services in 2019 and held various roles in organizations addressing hunger and homelessness. These experiences contributed to Tan's comprehensive understanding of public health challenges and community needs.
Research Contributions and Publications
Steph Tan has made significant contributions to public health research, particularly in the area of COVID-19 testing. Tan authored a publication in The Lancet, discussing saliva testing as a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional nasopharyngeal testing. This research highlights the importance of innovative testing methods in managing public health crises and reflects Tan's commitment to advancing knowledge in the field.