Welcome to the Division of Epidemiology, Department of Population Health Sciences. We study the distributions and determinants of diseases and health conditions in populations.
By conducting epidemiological studies, the “basic science” of public health, we are able to describe the health status of a population, help in understanding the etiology of a disease or health problem, provide an evidence base for health care and policy makers, aid in developing new strategy to effectively treat or intervene the disease, and ultimately control and prevent the diseases.
Our faculty is comprised of professors in a wide array of disciplines in the epidemiology of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, psychiatric disorders, cancer and other chronic diseases, as well as in genetic epidemiology. Our team remains at the forefront of epidemiology, actively engaged in research and education. Our researchers strive to enhance the validity and efficiency of epidemiological investigation methodologies, and expand the practical applications for these tools.
We foster a unique environment in which practical involvement in transdisciplinary research collaborations enhance learning, and are involved in multiple avenues of research, including community-based research, pediatric health issues, physical activity, psychosocial stress, and genomics/epigenomics. We are committed to enriching the academic experience for our students, empowering them with strong analytic and quantitative skills necessary for etiologic research, disease surveillance, program evaluation, public health practice, and epidemiological research.
We are also committed to developing partnerships and collaborations with researchers, clinicians, communities and institutions to improve understanding of health and translate population health research findings into policy and practice.
Our division aims to play major roles in the promotion of health and the control and prevention of diseases in populations through epidemiological research, education and professional service at the local, regional and national levels.