Epidemiology

Department of Epidemiology

Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events (including disease), and the application of this study to the control of diseases and other health problems. We work to improve public health, promote individual well-being, and eliminate health disparities across Indiana and around the world.

Our research is used to prevent illness and injury, to protect the public's health, and to monitor health care. We work to identify risk factors for cancer, heart disease and other chronic diseases, changes in the prevalence and risk of infectious diseases, reduction in the risk of intentional and unintentional injury, and work toward the reduction and eradication of local, regional, national, and global health disparities.

Faculty

Our faculty have strong relationships with a network of professional epidemiologists at the local, state and national level who assist with mentoring students and collaborate on research projects. Students working with our faculty receive practical, hands-on training, develop in-depth expertise, and gain considerable real-world experience.

Interested students have the opportunity to serve as funded research assistants on faculty projects. These opportunities enable students to expand their research skills under the mentorship of expert epidemiologists.

See our epidemiology faculty

Research

Our department has a strong track record of research. Currently we have several NIH grants on cancer and metabolic diseases. We conduct a wide range of investigations from molecular and genetic markers, plasma biomarkers, lifestyle factors to health informatics.

In addition to investigator-initiated research projects, we are committed to multidisciplinary collaborative research toward assessing the distribution and determinants of human illness with the aim of establishing reasoned preventive and control measures. We are keen to form collaboration with multiple units on the IU Indianapolis campus, IU, and beyond. Our faculty members have areas of expertise listed below:

  • Cancer Epidemiology and Cancer Prevention
  • Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology
  • Clinical Epidemiology
  • Metabolic Disease Epidemiology
  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology
  • Injury Epidemiology
  • Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology
  • Nutritional Epidemiology
  • Pharmacoepidemiology
  • Public Health Informatics