Our students and alumni

Mathilde Grimée is from Luxemburg. She graduated in 2021.

How did you become interested in studying epidemiology?

I landed on Epidemiology somewhat by chance! I was doing a B.Sc. in Liberal Arts and Sciences at Amsterdam University College, majoring in mathematics and computer sciences. I was mainly completing courses in statistics, modelling, and programming. One semester, I was late for course registration and got “stuck with” the last available course which was Introduction to Epidemiology. I didn’t even really know what it was at first, but from the very beginning of the course, I was hooked. For the first time, I saw that my love for numbers and modelling could be applied to a career with the potential for social impact. I followed this up with every course relating to population health my university had to offer, only confirming my new-found love for epidemiology.

Why did you decide to study epidemiology at LMU-Munich?

At the end of my bachelor’s studies at Amsterdam University College, I was looking for a solid and in-depth education in statistical and epidemiological methods. The programme at LMU stood out to me as the best blend of a strong public health and epidemiology core, with a significant statistical and methodological background, all within a wide array of specializations. Its small cohort size also promised a close-knit learning environment.

The international renown of the program and the rigor demonstrated by its entrance exam gave me confidence in the quality of the programme. Additionally, the programme offered great opportunities for internships, providing essential practical experience. The contribution of guest lecturers from academic institutions and industry also promised to enrich the curriculum. Finally, I was also attracted by the flexibility to take credits at the biostatistics department as part of the “Biometrics” specialization, which aligned with my interest in advanced statistical methods.

On a personal note, Munich is a beautiful city which provides excellent quality of life. Its location near the mountains offered a wonderful balance of academic and outdoor life, which made it an ideal place for me to study and grow both intellectually and personally.

What do you remember most about the Epidemiology (M.Sc.) programme?

What I inevitably remember first is that I started the master’s programme in winter semester 2019-2020... Along with the rest of my cohort, I witnessed the rapid rise of epidemiology on the world stage while we were studying it. That was a memorable experience, to say the least.

But what truly struck me at the start of the program was the largely interdisciplinary and international student group. People came from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds and had varying levels of professional experience. The master’s coordination fostered a strong culture of exchange, which allowed for a rich learning experience.

This master’s programme also opened incredible doors for me into academic research. During the programme, I completed an internship at the Epidemiology Biostatistics and Prevention Institute of the University of Zurich. I also did my master’s thesis there, eventually earning the Munich Epidemiology Award 2021 and publishing in Spatial Statistics journal. I also completed an internship in the Malaria Parasites and Hosts unit at Institut Pasteur in Paris, where I ultimately pursued my PhD. These experiences would not have been possible without this master’s programme and were important catalysts for the next steps in my career.

What are you doing now, and what are your plans for the future?

Right after graduating from the Epidemiology (M.Sc.) programme, I started a PhD in infectious disease epidemiology within the Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Analytics unit at the Institut Pasteur in Paris. My PhD project aimed to characterize how heterogeneous mosquito exposure influences malaria epidemiology in regions that are approaching elimination, and in particular those where Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax (the two main parasites that cause human malaria) co-circulate. I defended my thesis in December 2024, after which I joined the vaccine modelling team of the Robert Koch Institute in Berlin as a research associate on a three-year influenza modelling project.

For the future of my career, I hope to stay at the intersection of infectious disease modelling research, public health, and teaching.

Zhidong Xie is from China. He graduated in 2025.

How did you become interested in studying epidemiology?

I think it started with my first job after college. My undergraduate studies were broad and interdisciplinary — I took courses in pharmaceutical science, biology, chemistry, math, and even programming. It gave me a solid foundation, but also left me unsure about what I truly wanted to pursue. I felt a bit lost and unsure of my direction after graduation.

Then I luckily landed a job in the clinical data department of a pharmaceutical company. That’s where I first came across epidemiology. I started to see how the different pieces of my background could actually come together in this field — how data, biology, and real-world health questions all connect. For the first time, I felt genuinely excited and curious about the work I was doing.

That job gave me more than just experience — it gave me clarity. I realized that epidemiology wasn’t just something I wanted to learn more about, it was the field where I could actually see myself building a career.

How would you describe your experience of the M.Sc. programme?

I’ve been asked this question many times by friends, and my answer is always the same: joining this program was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Before I got the admission, I was truly at a crossroads in my life, unsure of which direction to take. I’m so grateful this program gave me the clarity and path I was looking for — and even more grateful that it turned out to be the right one.

I’ve gained far more than I expected — not only solid knowledge and practical skills through classes and internships, but also the confidence to take the next step. With that foundation, I was able to find a job in Munich and support myself during my studies.

But what has made this experience really special are the people. I’ve met so many incredible people— professors, staff, classmates, and colleagues, who’ve made my time in this program brighter and more meaningful. I’ll carry the memories we’ve shared with me for a long time!

What do you think you will remember most about the Epidemiology (M.Sc.) programme?

Definitely the people (sorry academics — you’ll have to take a step back for this one). Over the past two years, I’ve met so many truly wonderful people through this program.

Our professors have gone above and beyond — not just in teaching during classes and internships, but also in offering guidance and support for my future career. The staff have been incredible too. They’ve organized events, helped with visa and work permit issues, listened to our needs, and made the program flexible enough to fit everyone. Some of them have even treated me like family.

I’ve made close friends with many of my classmates and even with students from other majors. Since this is an international program, I’ve had the chance to meet people from all over the world, hear their unique stories, and learn about different cultures. We’ve built strong connections — we support each other, stay in touch, and spend time together outside of class. These people made me feel at home — even when I was thousands of kilometres away from home. I feel so lucky to have met them through the M.Sc. Epidemiology program.

What are your plans for the future?

I was lucky enough to receive a PhD offer, so I’ll be starting my doctoral studies right after this program. Honestly, before joining this program, doing a PhD had never crossed my mind. But during my time here, I discovered a specific area that I’m truly passionate about and would love to focus on in my future career.

I’m also someone who enjoys exploring new things and meeting new people, and a PhD feels like the perfect next adventure. It combines intellectual curiosity with the chance to connect with others in the academic world — and that brings me both excitement and energy for life.

I feel incredibly grateful that this program helped me find a direction I genuinely care about, and that I now have the opportunity to keep moving forward in it.

Pia Prkacin is from Austria. She graduated in 2025.

Why did you decide to study epidemiology at LMU-Munich?

After being accepted into three epidemiology master’s programs across Europe, choosing LMU Munich felt like the right fit for several reasons. The curriculum offered a good foundation in epidemiology, and the mandatory internship promised a valuable opportunity to apply what we learned in a practical setting. I also appreciated the flexibility to complete both the internship and thesis at institutions outside of LMU, as long as the topic was related to epidemiology. Conversations with alumni were another key factor. Everyone I spoke to was satisfied with the program and had found meaningful jobs after graduation. Studying in a very international program was something I was looking for, and I found it at LMU Munich with classmates coming from all over the world and creating a truly enriching exchange. Finally, the prospect of spending my master’s in such a livable city like Munich fully convinced me. Now, as I near the end of the program, I can honestly say I haven’t regretted my decision for a moment.

Do you have any advice for future Epidemiology (M.Sc.) students?

My biggest advice for future M.Sc. Epidemiology students at LMU Munich is: don’t be afraid to ask! Reach out to your teaching staff; they bring a huge amount of expertise and are genuinely committed to helping students understand the material. Ask questions during class, after class, or even by email when something comes up while studying. The lecturers are generous with their time and support, both inside and outside the classroom. Ask your classmates; everyone comes from different backgrounds, not just in terms of where they’re from, but also in terms of academic and professional experience. There’s a lot of wisdom to learn from each other. Also, don’t hesitate to contact the course coordinator and other people behind the program. They’re there to support you and can offer valuable guidance throughout your studies. Engaging actively and reaching out really makes a difference in getting the most out of the program.

What do you think you will remember most about the Epidemiology (M.Sc.) programme?

What I will remember most about the Epidemiology (M.Sc.) programme is the practical experience of applying my newly gained knowledge during the internship and master’s thesis. Of course, the core courses were essential in building a strong foundation in epidemiological concepts, statistical methods, and how to conduct quality research. However, it was the internship and thesis that allowed me to step into the real world and explore different career paths. During my five-month internship at Munich Re’s Epidemic Risk Solutions unit, I worked on pandemic insurance and gained valuable insight into the reinsurance industry, a field I hadn’t considered before. For my thesis, I focused on infectious disease epidemiology and joined the Infectious Disease Control research group at Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam (Netherlands). There, I worked closely with PhD students, postdocs, and professors, which gave me a glimpse into academia and what working in such an environment could look like.

Are there specific aspects of the program you would highlight for potential applicants?

What makes the Epidemiology (M.Sc.) programme at LMU Munich special is that you are not only getting an excellent education covering core epidemiological concepts, but the program also allows you to tailor your path to your own interests. Specializations and electives give you the chance to focus on areas you care about most. The mandatory internship offers a valuable opportunity to apply what you've learned in practice and to explore which direction you want your career to take. Besides doing your internship at the Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology at LMU Munich, you can also choose any other university or research institute in Germany or abroad. Even the private sector is an option. This flexibility allowed me to gain insights into pandemic insurance at Munich Re’s Epidemic Risk Solutions unit. For your master’s thesis, again you can focus on topics you are passionate about and pick the place that fits best. For me, this was infectious disease epidemiology, so I am currently pursuing my master’s thesis at the Infectious Disease Control research group at Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Elochukwa Okanmelu is from Nigeria. He graduated in 2023.

Why did you decide to study epidemiology at LMU-Munich?

Despite being accepted to programs in the UK and the USA at the time (including a PhD program), studying epidemiology at LMU-Munich was an easy decision. Germany is the largest economy in the EU, the 4th largest in the world and global leader in innovation and research. The city of Munich itself, with its blend of academic life, culture, and nature, boasting a rich history, excellent infrastructure, easy connections to most major European countries, and strong security, made it ideal.

LMU-Munich at the time was the best university in Germany with a strong academic reputation evidenced by the array of Nobel prize winners that have studied at LMU. I was particularly impressed by the interdisciplinary structure of the Epi program, the focus on both methodological rigor and practical application, and the opportunity to learn from leading researchers. I felt confident that the program would prepare me well for not only integration into the society but also provide me with a professional work and opportunities for future academic research.

How would you describe your experience of the M.Sc. programme?

My experience in the program was relatively unique as it was quite tricky to get a visa from Nigeria, and I started the program in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. This, however, made for a more rich experience especially regarding the administration of the program, the willingness of the facilitators to be adaptive, flexible, and extremely supportive of the experiences of their international students. I was able to take part in the program remotely for one year before moving to Germany, leading to even more opportunities to explore more parts of the program after relocation. This essentially meant an even more encompassing knowledge of the program and Epidemiology by extension, and an extra 18 ECTs on graduation.

The program itself was stimulating and personally enriching, from the statistical deep-dive into Quantitative Methods to the policy-based insights of the Health Services Research Management and Global Public Health courses. The coursework was challenging yet well-structured, offering a solid foundation in statistical methods, research design, and public health theory. What made it truly special was the diverse and motivated student body, especially as it is an English taught program which created a collaborative and supportive learning environment. The program encouraged critical thinking, and prepared me to apply epidemiological methods in real-world settings.

Are there specific aspects of the program you would highlight for potential applicants?

I would highlight the program’s strong methodological training, its international focus, and the quality of support provided by faculty. The flexibility of the curriculum and the richness of specializations and electives allow students to tailor their experience based on their interests, whether that’s chronic disease, clinical, or genetic epidemiology (where I had my first introduction to machine learning algorithms), or environmental health. Small class sizes and the interactive format of seminars, exercises, and projects make it easy to engage deeply with the material, classmates, and tutors. For anyone interested in building a strong foundation in public health and epidemiology while exploring and integrating socially and professionally into the region, this program is a great choice.

The program also offers opportunities for practical experience at some of Germany’s most prestigious institutions during the internship period, designed to facilitate implementation of methods and frameworks learned during the program. Epidemiology at LMU-Munich further provides avenues for networking and further learning through EUGLOH, GLOHRA, and other multilateral collaborations and summer schools.

Do you have any advice for future Epidemiology (M.Sc.) students?

Be open to exploring different areas of epidemiology and take full advantage of the resources offered by LMU and the wider academic community in Munich; they are almost unlimited if you look close enough. Engage actively in classes, exercises, and group projects.

Make sure to ask questions, and don’t hesitate to reach out to professors or the program coordination team as they are approachable, incredibly knowledgeable, and profoundly empathetic. When encountering any difficulty (academic, social, psychological, or even financial), never hesitate to reach out to the program office. They are always open-minded and willing to support--they gave me probably the best administrative support I have ever received from any institution or office in my professional and academic journey.

Start thinking early about your thesis topic and try to align it with your long-term goals. Finally, build strong connections with your peers as the collaborative spirit of the program is one of its greatest assets.

Yann Becker is from France. He graduated in 2025.

How did you become interested in studying epidemiology?

During my time as a physiotherapist, I noticed many patients suffered from conditions that could have been prevented through public health measures. For example, seeing recurrent cases of lifestyle-related illnesses made me realize how crucial prevention is. This sparked my interest in epidemiology; I realized that high-quality research is essential to guide public health decisions and reduce preventable diseases.

At university, I also developed a fascination with statistics, understanding that robust data analysis is crucial for producing reliable and impactful research. I wanted to deepen my knowledge in both prevention strategies and statistical methods to improve the quality of my future studies.

Epidemiology uniquely combines these interests—understanding disease patterns and applying rigorous quantitative methods to promote population health. This dual focus motivated me to pursue advanced training so I can contribute evidence-based insights that improve public health outcomes and make a difference beyond individual patient care.

Why did you decide to study epidemiology at LMU-Munich?

I decided to study epidemiology at LMU-Munich because of its strong reputation for combining rigorous statistical training with practical, real-world applications. The program’s emphasis on biostatistics was particularly important to me, as I believe solid quantitative skills are essential for producing high-quality epidemiological research that can effectively guide public health decisions.

LMU is one of Europe’s leading universities, renowned for its academic excellence and cutting-edge research in medical and health sciences. Being able to learn from experienced faculty and engage with ongoing research projects was a major factor in my decision.

Another important consideration was the excellent career prospects associated with graduating from LMU-Munich. The program’s strong connections within public health institutions and research organizations open up many opportunities for future employment, which was a key motivation for me.

Finally, Munich itself is a vibrant and welcoming city with a rich academic and cultural environment. The high quality of life and dynamic student community made it an ideal place to live and study.

Together, these factors made LMU-Munich the perfect choice for advancing my education and career in epidemiology.

What will you remember most about the M.Sc. Epidemiology program?

What I will remember most about the M.Sc. Epidemiology program at LMU-Munich is the supportive and welcoming environment created by both the faculty and the administrative staff. The M.Sc. office is exceptionally helpful and communicative, always going above and beyond to make the student experience smooth and enjoyable. Their dedication truly made a positive impact on my studies.

Another memorable aspect is the international diversity of the program. Meeting and collaborating with peers from all over the world enriched my learning experience and broadened my perspective on global health issues. This international community fostered meaningful cultural exchange and expanded my horizons.

Lastly, the professors in the program are highly invested in student success. Their passion for epidemiology and commitment to teaching enabled me to gain deep insights and practical skills that will benefit me throughout my career.

Overall, the combination of excellent support, diverse classmates, and dedicated faculty makes the M.Sc. Epidemiology program at LMU-Munich an unforgettable experience.

What are your plans for the future?

After completing the M.Sc. Epidemiology program, I plan to start a PhD at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization (WHO). My research will focus on cancer and its risk factors, particularly obesity and physical inactivity, in Nordic countries. This opportunity will allow me to concentrate on the preventive aspects of these important public health challenges.

My goal is to generate high-quality evidence on how lifestyle factors contribute to cancer risk and to translate these findings into practical recommendations. By providing policymakers with clear, data-driven preventive measures, tangible targets, and actionable insights, I hope to support effective strategies that reduce the burden of cancer related to these modifiable risk factors.

Ultimately, I want to contribute to public health by promoting prevention and improving population health outcomes. I am confident that the skills and knowledge I gained during my Master’s program at LMU-Munich have prepared me well for this next step in my academic and professional journey.

Masna Rai is from Nepal. She graduated in 2019.

How did you become interested in studying epidemiology?

During my undergraduate studies in Microbiology in Nepal, I chose to take an elective course in Epidemiology. It was in this course that I first encountered the work of John Snow and his pioneering efforts in tracing the cholera outbreak. I was particularly captivated by his innovative approach to utilizing available data to address public health challenges in emergency situations.

How would you describe your experience in the Epidemiology (M.Sc.) programme?

Enrolling in the M.Sc. Epidemiology program at LMU Munich has proven to be one of the most rewarding decisions of my professional journey. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to engage with such a diverse cohort of individuals from around the globe, each bringing unique academic perspectives. Beyond the enriching university lectures, the opportunity to learn from my peers about the regional differences and challenges they face has been enlightening. I have greatly valued the interactive discussions that occurred both during and after each session.

What are you doing now, and what are your plans for the future?

Following the completion of my Master's degree, I continued studying at LMU Munich, pursuing a PhD in Epidemiology and Public Health, hosted at Helmholtz Munich. Subsequently, I transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry and currently hold the position of Principal Biostatistician. I am committed to advancing my career in this sector, with a focus on research.