Epidemiology

Department of Epidemiology

Chair’s Welcome

Epidemiology is the study of the distribution, causes and prevention of disease and injury in human populations--it’s often called the basic science of public health.  Epidemiologists use an array of quantitative tools to measure the occurrence of illness, injury and risk factors, estimate the effect of exposures on disease risk, and evaluate interventions.

Faculty and students in the UNMC Department of Epidemiology conduct research on a broad range of health outcomes and exposures.  The areas we emphasize include occupational and environmental hazards, cancer, infectious diseases, perinatal conditions, injuries, mental health, substance abuse, global health and epidemiologic methods.   

Academic programs in epidemiology prepare practitioners and researchers for positions in government agencies, the private sector, and academia.  Our department is the principal provider of epidemiology training for the public health workforce in Nebraska and the region.

Our faculty serve the community and the profession in numerous ways, from providing technical assistance to local agencies, to serving on prestigious national advisory committees and leading professional societies. 

I hope you’ll find these pages a good place to learn about the field of epidemiology and about our department.

Dana Loomis, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair