The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics applies, develops, and teaches the skills needed to understand the determinants of disease and improve health. We teach students the descriptive and analytic approaches (epidemiology) needed to investigate the complex causes of major public health problems and to develop effective strategies to prevent them. The biostatistics program centers on the development and application of theory and methods in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data used in public health and other biomedical sciences.

• Our students are trained to become expert researchers and public health workers capable of investigating complex urban and community health challenges. Through practicum experiences students learn to apply descriptive and analytic methods and theory to real-world problems.
  
  
• The department’s faculty conduct pioneering research in many areas, including aging; autism; biostatistical methods; cancer; cardiovascular disease; environmental risk factors; infectious disease and prevention; social and neighborhood determinants of health.
  
  
• Our graduates enjoy rewarding careers in national and local disease-prevention organizations, community-based organizations, industry, academia, government, and global public health.

Latest Research

Q&A: Can Taking Vitamin D Help Prevent My Child from Developing Autism?

Assistant Professor Brian K. Lee, PhD, discusses what researchers know about vitamin D and autism and what expectant mothers should do with the newly published findings.