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

Service

Our faculty bring deep expertise in epidemiology and are actively involved in service at IU, in the community, and across the country. We regularly support public health efforts through leadership, collaboration, and consultation.

University service

We contribute to key centers and initiatives at IU through leadership roles, committee service, and project support. Examples include:

IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center
Indiana CTSI
IU Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases
Regenstrief Institute
Various campus and university committees

Community & public health partnerships

We work with local, state, and national partners to design, evaluate, and report on public health programs that address issues like chronic disease, infectious disease, substance use, and food insecurity. Partners include:

Marion County Public Health Department
Indiana Department of Health
Local health departments statewide
CDC and other national collaborators

Professional service

Our faculty are frequently called on to serve the field through:

NIH, CDC, DOD, and foundation grant review panels
Editorial boards of peer-reviewed journals
National and international advisory roles

Connect with us

We welcome opportunities to collaborate. Contact us to learn how we can support your project with our epidemiology expertise.