Owner/Instructor

Dr. Aaron Dotson

Dr. Dotson is a native of California and an Army veteran who has served as a combat medic and nutritionist. He holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a degree in Psychology, and a minor in Biology, a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the American Public University, and a Doctor of Public Health degree (DrPh) from Capella University with a specialization in Epidemiology.

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He is an Epidemiologist who has extensively researched COVID-19, Ebola, Infertility, Diabetes, and Flu. In research, he has evaluated products marketed to treat, mitigate, or prevent COVID-19, Ebola, Infertility, Diabetes, and Flu. He has worked for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for twelve years, including with the Coordination Outbreak Response and Evaluation Team (CORE), which evaluates outbreaks due to Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli 0157:57 (E-coli). His contributions included researching genome sequencing tracebacks to determine the source of outbreaks.

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His research interests include exploring ways to improve health outcomes related to HIV among African American men. He is currently working to publish his research conducted, which explored the impact of social media and its impact on African American Men. His research was an "Internet-Based Intervention" study to Improve Condom Use Among African American Men Who Have Sex with Men.

His volunteer activities include working with AID Atlanta and HIPAtlanta. Both agencies provide various services to individuals with STI testing, Counseling, and provide resources to health care.

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He also taught science courses at various universities and technical colleges. His goal is to continue empowering individuals who desire to advance their careers in healthcare while also serving as a mentor.

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Dr. Dotson contributed to this article in his personal capacity. The views expressed are his own and do not necessarily represent the views of the Food and Drug Administration or the United States Government.

DOO/Instructor

Dr. Paul L. Jones, Jr.

Paul L. Jones, Jr. is a distinguished public health professional and researcher from Pensacola, Florida. He graduated from Pensacola State College with an Associate of Arts in Criminology and Psychology. Paul continued his education at the University of South Alabama, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Medical Psychology. He received his master's in public health administration from Troy University.

While at Troy, he was awarded the President's Chancellor's Award, named a Troy University Health Ambassador, and received the Costa Rica Health Abroad Scholarship, allowing traveling to Costa Rica to teach global health to undergraduate students at Universidad Iberoamericana also known as UNIBE which is one of Costa Rica's leading universities, specializing in healthcare. Paul is pursuing a doctoral degree in the School of Public Health at Jackson State University, specializing in epidemiology and biostatistics. He is a member of the Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society, where he serves as the New Member Intake Coordinator, and the Golden Key International Honor Society, where he was recognized as one of the highest academic achieving students in the program. Paul is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE), a nonprofit organization representing public health epidemiologists and the American Public Health Association (APHA).

Professionally, Paul works for a major clinical research organization as a public health nurse (PHNA-BC) and a certified clinical research professional (CCRP), contributing his expertise to advancing health research. His research and therapeutic interests include oncology, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and the social drivers of health affecting African Americans in rural areas. He actively engages in volunteer work focusing on aiding and supporting those in lower socio-economic areas within the Atlanta metropolitan area with United to Serve, a nonprofit organization. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Paul is a successful health and wellness ambassador, educator, and community advocate.