Improving population health through epidemiology research and preparing the next generation of epidemiologists.
The Division of Epidemiology improves wellbeing for all by conducting research that yields robust, actionable evidence that advances our understanding of health and disease in populations, and by preparing the next generation of epidemiology research leaders. Our faculty brings together diverse expertise including population, clinical, social, environmental, and behavioral sciences to address critical public health challenges, and to develop and test evidence-based solutions to real-world health concerns.
COVID-19 highlighted the critical role that epidemiologists play in improving global public health. Beyond the pandemic, epidemiologists bring a trademark focus on measurement, causal inference, research design, and evaluation of health and policy interventions to address all aspects of health, including diverse challenges such as climate change, health disparities, the opioid epidemic, and gun violence.
Uniquely positioned within Penn Medicine’s world-class medical school and collaborative multi-hospital health system, and with strong partnerships with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, we work closely with our DBEI colleagues in the Biostatistics and Informatics divisions, and with collaborators from diverse fields across and beyond Penn to improve health for all by producing robust and actionable evidence informed by multiple perspectives, disciplines, and skills.
We are dedicated to preparing the next generation of epidemiology research leaders. By teaching and mentoring through Penn’s epidemiology training programs, our division continues to drive innovation in a changing world, and to pave the way for future scientific breakthroughs in population health at Penn Medicine and beyond.
Deputy Director, Associate Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology
Associate Director, Epidemiology
Executive Assistant to Dr. Sean Hennessy (Epidemiology)
Stay informed with the latest research findings, news, and events from our division.
Dr. LauraEllen Ashcraft has been named Co-Director of AMETHIST@Penn, where she will help lead efforts to support the NIH IMPROVE initiative and advance equitable maternal health research through implementation science.
DBEI proudly welcomes Sunni Mumford, PhD, as the new Director of the Division of Epidemiology.
Dr. Anne Marie McCarthy has co-authored a new article examining how body mass index (BMI) and breast density interact to influence breast cancer risk among Black and White women.
Laura Ellen Ashcraft, PhD, MSW, introduces GUIDE—a new tool that turns complex implementation science theory into practical steps for early-career researchers.
Postdoctoral Researcher in Epidemiology
Kyle Busse, PhD, MPH, is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics whose work focuses on how lifestyle factors — including diet, physical activity, and sleep — influence reproductive and perinatal health. His interest in this area grew from early experiences in public health and education settings, where he saw firsthand the challenges many people face in maintaining a healthy diet.
In this Q&A, Kyle shares what motivates his research, what he enjoys about the DBEI community, and how he spends time outside the lab.
Read the Q&AEpidemiology research at Penn Medicine advances patient care and public health through interdisciplinary collaboration and faculty expertise in clinical and applied sciences. Leveraging robust skills and partnerships with Biostatistics, Informatics, and Penn’s top-tier medical system, our division addresses complex health questions and delivers impactful solutions that shape public health outcomes and medical practices.
Join a community of experts and mission-driven professionals committed to shaping the future of biomedical and population health data research through collaboration and scientific excellence. Explore available faculty and staff positions in the Division of Epidemiology and the department.