Sep. 6, 2023
This is part of a series of Q&As introducing faculty who have joined the College of Health Sciences for the 2023–24 academic year.
Julie Kapp
Associate professor, Department of Public Health
What classes are you teaching this semester?
I generally teach HMI 8544 Managerial Epidemiology (Population Health Management) for the MHA executive and residential students in the spring semesters.
Tell us about yourself. What is your background?
I have undergraduate degrees in psychology and sociology from Mizzou. My master’s and Ph.D. are in public health, concentrated in epidemiology, from Saint Louis University. I am recognized by the American College of Epidemiology as a fellow for significant and sustained contributions to the field. I have also earned the title of Malcolm Baldrige executive fellow, a competitive distinction bestowed by the U.S. Department of Commerce Undersecretary for Standards & Technology. I was born and raised in St. Louis, and most of my family is still there.
What brought you to Mizzou? To your field?
I did my undergraduate studies at Mizzou many years ago, and I was a faculty member in 2005. Mizzou is a second home to me.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
There are so many things! I love teaching and working with students. They are so bright and bring great energy and new ideas. I also love the research I do. It is important to me to focus on areas that can contribute to the greater good and not just get lost on an academic shelf. I am someone who loves learning new things, so working in an academic environment is perfect for me.
What has you excited for this semester?
I love the renewed energy that comes to town each fall with the incoming students.
What is a fun hobby or activity that you enjoy outside of work?
Running is an important part of my well-being. I started with a 5K and made my way to an ultramarathon (50K). While I no longer do long-distance running, you can still find me running on the Katy Trail.
What is your hidden talent?
During COVID-19 lockdowns when the world was stuck at home, I decided to teach myself to paint in watercolor. It’s a fun way to use a different part of my brain.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and who gave it to you?
I served eight years in the military. I first enlisted in the Army Reserves after 9/11, and I was later recruited to the Air National Guard to serve as a public health officer; I was a major when I completed my service. The Air Force’s core values are integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do — I believe in those and still try to live my life that way.
