Epidemiology is the study of how diseases, injuries, and other health-related events spread and distribute themselves through populations and communities. We identify the causes of the spread, and how to stop it.
The Epidemiology Department was organized to be one major focus of the College of Public Health to promote research and training in epidemiology, disease control and health care organization.
The major research thrust is to conduct high quality epidemiologic investigations that are at the forefront of scientific knowledge. The research is both theoretical and applied.
Training activities have several directions, which include developing qualified, independent research scientists in epidemiology at both the pre- and post-doctoral levels. There is also a focus of training health professionals and others to obtain basic epidemiologic, preventive and health care organizational skills for application in both clinical and community-based settings.
Faculty Opportunity
The Department of Epidemiology invites applications for open rank tenure-track faculty positions in any area of epidemiology.
Prospective Epi Students
You’ve got questions, and we’ve got answers. Everything you need to know is here, but if you have more questions, fill out the request form below and we’ll reach out to you right away.
Epidemiology Research Interest Areas
Epidemiology is a wide and diverse field. These are some of the interest areas in which our faculty are engaged in research.
Latest Epi News
- Q&A: Student Ragan Martin’s internship resulted in infectious disease resource for childcare centers
- Call for Research Week poster abstracts
- Iowa research partnership developing a rapid, low-cost test for diarrheal diseases
- Doctoral student recognized for leadership in injury and violence prevention
- Pentella comments on expanded wastewater testing for viruses
- PhD student Victor Soupene focuses on worker health and safety
- 2023 Outstanding Alumni Award Recipients
Our people
At the Department of Epidemiology, we pride ourselves on being a welcoming, diverse community of faculty, staff, and students, all here to help you succeed.
Our research centers
Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases
Employs the latest technologies and methods to understand and control infectious diseases that affect both animals and people.
Health Effectiveness Research Center
Assesses comparative effectiveness and safety of health interventions to responsibly translate evidence into practice.
Iowa Registry for Congenital and Inherited Disorders
Maintain statewide surveillance for collecting information on selected congenital and inherited disorders in Iowa.
Nutrition Center
Provides nutrition counseling and dietary assessment to promote nutrition with a focus on research, education and service.
Preventive Intervention Center
Conducts health research and clinical trials to ensure future medical treatments are safe and effective.
State Health Registry of Iowa
Also known as the Iowa Cancer Registry (ICR), the registry conducts surveillance and researches the epidemiology of all cancer cases in the state of Iowa.