Position Title
Leaders for the Future Fellow
Kristina Lai
Kristina Lai is a 5th-year Ph.D. candidate in epidemiology who specializes in using immune biomarkers to generate insights that guide vaccine introduction, identify high-risk populations, and track disease circulation. She holds an M.P.H. in global epidemiology from Emory University and a B.S. in microbiology, immunology, and molecular genetics from UCLA.
Her dissertation focuses on typhoid fever, with the broader aim of strengthening tools for public health decision-making across multiple diseases. Kristina also co-founded Allen & Lai Consulting, where she delivers epidemiologic and project management support to public health organizations and biotech companies nationwide. Outside work, she enjoys gardening, the outdoors, and time with her family.