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, Epidemiology
Professor of Epidemiology
Associate Director, Epidemiology
Executive Assistant to Dr. Sean Hennessy (Epidemiology)
Stay informed with the latest research findings, news, and events from our division.
A Penn Medicine study links racism during obstetric care to higher postpartum blood pressure, revealing long-term health impacts and underscoring the need to address inequities in maternal health outcomes.
The University of Pennsylvania Prevention Research Center has received a $6.5 million CDC grant to advance community-based prevention research, focusing on improving shared decision-making for older cancer patients. This five-year project will study interventions tailored to patients’ needs, enhancing outcomes in Philadelphia and beyond.
Penn undergraduates assist Beth Leong Pineles, MD, PhD with a study of activity restriction during pregnancy with the goal of “deimplementation” in the Penn Medicine system and ultimately nationwide.
Michael Harhay, PhD, MPH, co-authors “Bayesian Statistics for Clinical Research” in The Lancet, comparing Bayesian and frequentist methods and highlighting the growing accessibility and impact of Bayesian analysis in medical research.
Research Project Manager
For almost three years, Kacie Bogar, MS has served as a Research Project Manager for the Center for Real-World Effectiveness and Safety of Therapeutics (CREST) and the Epidemiology division. In this role, she supports and collaborates with CREST investigators to produce research in the areas of drug-drug interactions, stimulant overdose trends, and environmental pharmacoepidemiology. In this Q&A, Bogar shares her interest in health policy; how she leverages a background in research and public health; and her experiences being a part of the DBEI and Penn community.
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.