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.
What makes our division so special is the people. I’m continually amazed by the depth and breadth of science being led by our faculty, staff, and trainees—and by the genuine sense of collaboration that runs through everything we do.
As epidemiologists, we bring essential tools—measurement, causal thinking, rigorous study design—to some of the most complex and important questions in health. Our work spans the full life course, from maternal and child health to aging and chronic disease, and addresses urgent challenges including climate change, environmental exposures, social and structural inequities, infectious disease, and more.
We are proud to train the next generation of leaders in epidemiology, and to do so in a place that values creativity, inclusion, and impact. Our strong connections across Penn Medicine, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and our sister divisions in Biostatistics and Informatics create a uniquely rich environment for advancing science that improves lives.
I’m grateful every day to be part of this community, and excited for all we will do together to elevate the visibility and impact of epidemiology in the years ahead.
Executive Assistant to Dr. Sunni Mumford (Epidemiology)
Deputy Director, Associate Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology
Deputy Director, Division of Epidemiology
Associate Professor of Epidemiology, Medicine (Pulmonary and Critical Care), and Statistics & Data Science
Associate Director, Epidemiology
Stay informed with the latest research findings, news, and events from our division.
Michael Levy, PhD, co-authored a new study exploring an adaptive approach to vector control inspired by the immune system, showing promise in an ongoing Chagas disease campaign in Peru.
CHIRP researchers found that women with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as PCOS, face a significantly higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular disease.
A new publication from Sean Hennessy examines how climate change influences medication use and highlights opportunities to build more resilient and sustainable healthcare systems.
CHIRP postdoctoral fellow Yajnaseni Chakraborti has received an NIH Pathway to Independence (K99/R00) Award to study how everyday endocrine-disrupting chemicals may affect fertility and early pregnancy.
Kenneth E. Appel Professor of Psychiatry
Director, Penn Center for Mental Health,
Section on Population Mental Health
David Mandell, ScD, is a researcher in the Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, where his work focuses on improving health care for people with or at risk of psychiatric or developmental disabilities, with a particular focus on autism. Grounded in community-partnered research, he collaborates closely with families and service systems to identify pressing needs and develop solutions that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
In this Q&A, David shares what inspired him to pursue autism-focused health services research, how his work is shaped by real-world challenges facing families and care systems, what he values most about DBEI’s collaborative environment, the research achievements he is most proud of, and the interests that keep him grounded outside of work.
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.