Research Interest Area: Chronic Disease/Lifecourse Epidemiology

Stages of Woman's Life

Chronic disease/lifecourse epidemiology provides the interested student with the opportunity to learn techniques and tools to investigate etiology and control, including screening and outcomes, of chronic disease across the lifespan.

Overview

The PhD student in epidemiology should attain skills specifically for the practice of epidemiology in research, teaching and practical settings.

Students with the following interests and are encouraged to explore this research interest area:

  • Aging
  • Cancer
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Diabetes
  • Maternal, child, and reproductive health
  • Mental health
  • Musculoskeletal disorders
  • Neurologic disorders including multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and dementia
  • Psychiatric disorders
  • Socioenvironmental determinants 

Curriculum

Examples of Featured Emphasis Area Courses

  • EPID:5560 Introduction to Molecular Epidemiology
  • EPID:6350 Nutritional Epidemiology
  • EPID:6600 Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases

Learning Objectives

Students interested in chronic disease/lifecourse epidemiology are preparing for a career in which they will:

  • Describe the roles of developmental, genetic, infectious, nutritional, behavioral and environmental factors throughout the life span in chronic disease causation
  • Summarize the current state of knowledge and develop hypotheses that may lead to new discoveries in the determinants and prevention of chronic disease
  • Generate original ideas, data, and analyses of a quality that will influence public health practice or chronic disease epidemiological science
  • Translate the available research into evidence-based public health practice for the prevention of chronic disease
  • Design a study where a multidisciplinary team focused on behavioral, environmental, infectious, nutritional and/or genetic factors determines chronic disease etiology.
  • Communicate original ideas and findings orally and in writing at a level effective for diverse audiences including attendees at professional meetings, readers of research journals, news media, and laypersons.

Chronic Disease/Lifecourse Curriculum

Centers and Resources

Centers and Institutes

Research Resources

Additional Resources for Students:

Examples of Major Research Projects