Epidemiology

Department of Epidemiology

Epidemiology unlocks the power of data and network science, the prevention of human diseases, and the path to a healthier world.

We study how health and disease affect communities—tracking patterns, identifying risks, and finding ways to stop illness before it starts. Our work spans cancer, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, infectious diseases, injuries, and more. Why epidemiology? Because the world needs answers.

Our research fuels public health action in Indiana and beyond, tackling health disparities and improving lives at the population level.

Thinking about epidemiology?

In health majors? Epidemiology brings a population-level lens to your clinical focus.
In STEM? Your analytical skills are an asset in this field.
In the lab? Epidemiology connects your science skills to real-world health impact.
Pre-med? Public health and epi training will make your med school app stand out.

Academic Programs

Master of Public Health

Design and conduct studies, analyze data and present findings that lead to effective public health prevention strategies and policy development

Doctorate

Designed to develop scholars who will carry out original research that will contribute to the understanding of the occurrence of illness and injury.

Graduate Certificate in Infection Control and Prevention Epidemiology

This certificate is designed for working professionals interested in epidemiologic principles, infectious diseases, and population & patient health.

Research

Our faculty lead cutting-edge research on cancer, obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. We explore everything from genetic and plasma biomarkers to lifestyle risk factors and health data systems.

Collaboration is core to our approach. We team up across disciplines—on campus, across IU, and with national and global partners—to understand what drives disease and design smarter ways to prevent it.

Healthy Cities

Research reveals link between fitness, health behaviors, built environment in largest US cities

Infection Prevention

Innovative infection prevention curriculum uses virtual reality to train students

Childhood Obesity

Pandemic spike in childhood obesity persists across Central Indiana

Outrun the Sun

Outrun the Sun partners with Fairbanks School of Public Health to combat skin cancer

Komen Tissue Bank

Researchers partner with Komen to advance groundbreaking studies that improve understanding of breast cancer risk, prevention and early detection

Breast Cancer

The Susan G. Komen Tissue Bank's goal is to accelerate breast cancer research by providing critical biospecimens and facilitating data sharing among researchers

Novel Pancreatic Cancer Biomarkers

These novel biomarkers could significantly improve early detection of pancreatic cancer

Dental Health Services

Our dental health services research focuses on understanding access, delivery, costs, and outcomes in oral health care across U.S. populations

Making sense of sunscreen and sun safety

Jiali Han, PhD, a world-renowned epidemiologist of skin cancer, shares the science behind SPF, and both UVA and UVB rays, how to choose and use sunscreen effectively, and other proven ways to protect your skin.

Watch the video

Service and engagement

Our nationally recognized faculty bring expertise across the full spectrum of epidemiology. We provide high-quality, impactful service to Indiana University, collaborative partners at the local, state, and national levels, and the epidemiology profession. Highlights of our ongoing service activities are outlined below.

Service to the university

Our faculty support Indiana University’s mission by serving as leaders, members, grant reviewers, project evaluators, and advisors for university-affiliated centers, institutes, and committees, including:

Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center
Indiana Clinical and Translational Science Institute
Indiana University Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases
Regenstrief Institute
University and campus-wide initiatives

Service to local, state, and national partners

Our epidemiologists collaborate on the design, implementation, evaluation, and dissemination of public health initiatives addressing critical issues such as chronic and infectious diseases, food insecurity, and substance use. Partners include:

Marion County Public Health Department
Other county public health departments
Indiana Department of Health
Federal agencies and national foundations

Service to the profession

Faculty members contribute nationally and internationally through professional service, including:

Participation on NIH, CDC, Department of Defense, and foundation grant review panels
Service on editorial boards of peer-reviewed journals
Membership and leadership roles in national and international professional organizations

Contact us

Our faculty are available to support research, evaluation, and public health practice initiatives. Contact us to learn more about how our epidemiology expertise can support your work.