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.
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.
In this Faculty Spotlight video, Ricardo Castillo, PhD, shares insights into his research on rabies epidemiology, transmission dynamics, and efforts to improve vaccination coverage in endemic regions.
A study co-authored by Aimin Chen links early PFAS exposure to lower bone density in adolescents, raising concerns about effects on skeletal development.
Congratulations to Michael Harhay on being selected for the 2026–27 Penn Fellows cohort, recognizing his leadership and contributions as a mid-career faculty member.
In a recent The Hill article, Sean Hennessy highlights the critical role of NHANES in shaping public health—and warns that the program now faces serious risk.
PhD Student; Chair, ISPE Student Chapter
Lin-Chieh Meng, BSPharm, MS, is a PhD student in the Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics whose work focuses on using causal inference methods to analyze large real-world data sources. Drawing on a background in pharmacy and clinical experience, she aims to generate evidence to inform clinical decision-making, guidelines, and health policy, particularly for populations often excluded from randomized trials. A central goal of her research is to bridge the gap between research and real-world clinical practice to improve population health.
In this Q&A, Lin-Chieh shares how her clinical background shaped her research path, how her work addresses challenges in generating and interpreting real-world evidence, what she values most about DBEI’s collaborative environment, and the interests and activities that inspire her outside of academia.
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.